It might seem difficult for Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant of Forestville to improve, after so many years of receiving top honors like being named one of the 500 World’s Best Hotels for 2014, and being honored with a World’s Best Award 2013, both from Travel & Leisure magazine.
But since the luxury property is in such demand by guests, the Inn is expanding, adding nine more rooms this summer. When complete, the intimate estate will feature 27 cottages and rooms, including an elegant “barn” of suites, outfitted with the signature stone fireplaces, hand-woven fabrics, four-poster beds, private decks, and Jacuzzi tubs.
The outdoor area also is being upgraded by owners and siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, including the pool and spa gardens. Yet the rural charm will remain, as the original redesign of the circa-1870 hideaway, where, amid the towering redwoods of the Russian River Valley, guests enjoy personal touches like full breakfast and fresh flowers in their room, wine tasting classes with a Master Sommelier, and homemade cookies and milk in the evenings.
The restaurant will remain as is, since it got its Michelin Star renewed this winter, just as it has every year since 2007. Chef Steve Litke has won a solid fan base for his Cal-Mediterranean cooking, served in a sophisticated setting of antiques and modern farm touches and offering signatures like rabbit, as a trio of a roasted rack, loin, cut into thick coins then wrapped in applewood smoked bacon, and leg confit, all moistened in whole grain mustard sauce alongside Yukon potato.
And when something works as well as that, no change is needed.
Details: Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com.
Tip: A luxury retreat deserves a luxury ride. Plan a vacation with plenty of wine tasting in the surrounding Russian River, and leave the driving to Pure Luxury Transportation.
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