The Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, California encompasses a world-class restaurant

While the term “rustic elegance” is spread to the purpose of cliché, Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma County is his epitome. This hotel isn’t a toned down mixture of rusticity and elegance, but moderately embodies each. (Think heated marble bathroom floors overlooking the chicken coop.)

And its crown jewel is the Farmhouse Restaurant, where splendidly revolutionary chef Craig Wilmer presides over an exquisite multi-course tasting menu that’s without delay playful and serious, precise and unpretentious, and for which this team is undoubtedly destined for a Michelin star – a minimum of one, but me would vote for 2.

The Farmhouse Inn may be very just like Single Thread in Healdsburg when it comes to its combination of fantastic dining and European-style luxury accommodations. But while Single Thread’s inn overlooks downtown Healdsburg, the Farmhouse Inn is within the woods, set back from the road and nestled in greenery, with cozy outdoor spaces and flora of all colours and smells. It is a perfect place to rest and loosen up. If you are lucky, Charlie the Gray Cat will show up whilst you’re there.

There are three room types: individual cottages near the front of the property, barn suites on the rear of the property and small farmhouse rooms above the restaurant. All are decorated in earth tones with plenty of stone and wood and accented with weathered metal. I just like the Barn Suites due to their location within the woods. Wake as much as the sound of the trees and go to sleep to the thrill of cicadas.

The aforementioned bathrooms in these suites are large and thoughtful, with jetted tubs, walk-in steam showers, and double sinks. The underfloor heating makes you’re feeling pampered, as do the numerous other touches that transcend it: a fridge with water and sodas, soaps and bath scrubs made in-house, and homemade gluten-free chocolate chips. Cookies are placed next to your bed every evening.

The pool is surrounded by a stupendous stone wall lined with flowering plants of all types, and in spring, notes of wisteria waft wherever you loosen up. Choose between a couch or a chaise longue, within the shade or within the sun. Adjacent to the pool is the casual lunch and dinner restaurant Farmstand, which serves comfort food like wood-fired pizza, steak bavette, and yellowtail crudo.

The restaurant needs to be the main target of your attention when planning your stay. It’s idea to skip lunch so that you’re prepared for what’s to come back. Wilmer, who trained with Erik Anderson amongst others, approaches the complex yet satisfying tasting menu he and his team developed last yr with equal sensitivity and method. Ashley Luna’s good drink combos (wine, sake, zero-proof drinks) take note of the meandering, non-linear nature of the meal. That is, their intensity doesn’t change from light to heavy; They move with the menu. And pastry chef Amanda Hoang’s desserts are within the tradition of The French Laundry and Cyrus (she worked at each), but are unique with their very own surprising and deceptively easy concepts.

I took detailed notes on every bite and took photos from every angle in low light, but here’s the thing: Wilmer and Luna would favor in the event you didn’t see the menu until the tip of the tasting. However, they’re friendly and completely satisfied to offer you a printed road map if you’ve the foresight. If you recognize the gender of your latest baby, it won’t reveal an excessive amount of. However, my advice is to unbuckle your seatbelt and lean into the ride. I actually have to say that among the ingredient combos are unique on the earth. That alone is reason enough to go there. And the service is consistently courteous.

This applies to all the property, from front desk staff and housekeepers to valets and landscapers. The owners, sister and brother Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, whose family has lived on this land for several generations, have impeccable taste.

Book a room and reserve dinner at Farmhouse Inn Website.