Boutique Coastal Haven
Location: Mendocino, California
Style: Charmingly cosy inn
Budget: £££
The northern Californian coastline differs dramatically from the palm trees and surfing lifestyle that many associate with the likes of LA and San Diego. Instead, you’re welcomed to a world of rugged coastlines and striking forests, where the fog rolls in frequently and the cooler months require a snug fireplace and a glass of red wine to hide away from the elements. Brewery Gulch Inn is the perfect setting to explore this incredible coastline and then curl up beside the fire after a busy day’s adventure.
Staying at Brewery Gulch Inn
Perched on the edge of the coastline just south of the seaside towns of Fort Bragg and Mendocino, Brewery Gulch Inn is, in part, designed in dedication to the history of the area, whose lumber mills were the source of wood used to rebuild San Francisco in the early 20th Century. Built in 2001, the wood used in its construction was sourced from perfectly preserved redwoods sunk deep into the riverbeds, remnants of the bygone ways of transporting logs downriver.
Nowadays, Brewery Gulch Inn offers 10 spacious, delightfully presented rooms with warm, earthy tones, cosy fabrics and exquisite decor. All but one of the rooms provide picturesque views of the garden and coastline beyond, some with their own private terrace. All rooms are also fitted with gas fireplaces and comfy armchairs laden with blankets, perfect for curling up on during the evening.
Along with well-proportioned en suites, many of the rooms also come with extra-large soaking tubs to fill up with bubble bath and while the time away. Pull on one of their plush, fluffy robes and jump in between the silky sheets for a well-earned nights sleep.
Downstairs, life at the inn revolves around The Great Room, acting as both lounge and dining room, where you can eat, play and relax throughout the day. Centred around a striking glass and steel fireplace, The Great Room fronts onto the gardens, with 13-foot high French doors opening out to the terrace.
Facilities in Brewery Gulch Inn are perfectly primed for time hidden away in its homely environment, with an astonishingly large DVD collection, a small library and some great board game options, including a coffee table-come-chess board, ready for some competitive contests. Out on the terrace, wicker outdoor furniture overlooks the grounds and ocean, with tended lawns, pretty flower beds and ponds beyond.
Dining at Brewery Gulch Inn
Food at Brewery Gulch Inn is taken very seriously and is definitely not something to miss out on during your stay. Focussing on local, natural and organic produce from local farmers in Mendocino, expect seasonal dishes, complete with delicious flavours throughout.
Starting with breakfast, you can enjoy a wonderful selection of options such as Huevos Rancheros, French Toast Suzette and Stone Fruit Parfait, all cooked to order. Breakfast can be taken in The Great Room or privately in your own room should you fancy breakfast in bed! The team at Brewer Gulch Inn are extremely proud of their own creation – the Millionaire’s Bacon – a flavour sensation that is sweet yet spicy take on this breakfast staple.
In the evening, Brewery Gulch Inn does not offer a full, a la carte dining option but, instead, provides what they describe as a ‘light buffet option’. Although this might sound like a late afternoon snack, you won’t be needing dinner! The team prepare a delicious buffet, including a main, dessert and a selection of local beers and wine. Expect dishes such as creamy prawn pasta, pepper-seared scallops and Moroccan lamb, with vegetable sides and a freshly baked tart or cake to finish off with.
Should you wish to venture out for dinner, there are some excellent restaurants in the area for lunch and dinner alike. Taking inspiration from the ocean setting, Wild Fish is a perfect spot to tuck into some, as the name may suggest, fresh fish, with dishes such as pan-seared sole with brown butter and capers.
Exploring around Brewery Gulch Inn
With its incredible landscapes and natural scenery, there’s so much to see and do around Brewery Gulch Inn and within the county of Mendocino. With the northern Californian redwoods steeped in the inn’s history, you can’t visit this region without exploring these ancient wonders.
One awesome way to experience the redwoods is by joining the Skunk Train in Fort Bragg link. This famous and historical train route runs from Fort Bragg all the way through the redwoods, traditionally having linked up some of the logging camps. Nowadays, this preserved train line can be explored either from an antique train carriage or on a unique ‘railbike’, a fun way to cycle through the area on a specially designed contraption riding literally along the tracks.
Ross Ranch, a family owned business, offer a more languid way to explore the coast and the forests – on horseback. With two different rides, one along the sweeping Manchester beach, and the other inland slightly amongst the towering trees, this is a great experience for skilled riders and novices alike.
Away from the coastline, the Anderson Valley, sweeping south from Brewery Gulch Inn towards Sonoma, is also an area famed for its wines. There are several wineries and vineyards dotted along the valley that are well worth stopping off at for a spot of wine tasting. Goldeneye offers awesome tasting experiences, where you can take in their tranquil gardens and vines, whilst enjoying a selection of their white, red and sparkling varietals.
Key Information about Brewery Gulch Inn
What's the best way to get to Brewery Gulch Inn?
Set in rustic northern California, far away from the more frequented southerly cities, Brewery Gulch Inn is slightly trickier to get to than some other parts of the state. The nearest commercial airport is in Sonoma, around two hours drive away, but if you’re feeling flush, you can charter a private plane to Little River Airport, around 10 minutes away, where the inn are happy to arrange a complimentary pick up.
If you’re driving up from the Bay area, or San Francisco airport (the nearest airport with international connections), take the 101 and connect onto Highway 1, with a drive time around 3-4 hours. Just be aware that the roads in Mendocino are very windy (in both senses of the word!), so allow extra time to get to Brewery Gulch Inn than the sat nav might suggest. Don’t worry if you’re running late, the team are more than happy to set aside a plate piled high with goodies from the buffet so you don’t miss out!
What are the Brewery Gulch Inn rates?
The slightly smaller queen rooms start at around US $450 up to the larger king rooms, which are US $550 per night. All rates are inclusive of a delicious breakfast, the wine paired buffet dinner and parking, but are exclusive of taxes and service charge.
What's the best time of year to visit Brewery Gulch Inn?
Our final thoughts on... Brewery Gulch Inn
After a long day of driving down from Oregon and through the gigantic redwood forests we were thankful to check in to such an inviting lodge. With such comfy and cosy rooms, and a lovely space to chillax with wine and games, Brewery Gulch Inn instantly felt like home. Come morning, after one of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had, we were ready to explore this amazing coastline and couldn’t think of anywhere better to retreat to at the end of a day in Mendocino.
Find Out More…
Brewery Gulch Inn – https://www.brewerygulchinn.com/
Explore more from Mendocino and California.
Many thanks to Brewery Gulch Inn for hosting us during our time in Mendocino. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own, we wouldn’t recommend something if we didn’t love it!
