Review: Farmhouse Inn

Why book?

While it’s tempting to continue to paint Sonoma as a sleepy, indie sweep of California wine country, the truth is the county is every bit as–if not more–booming than neighboring Napa, with Michelin-starred restaurants, shiny-new tasting rooms and big name hotels cropping up on the regular. But to tap into a little of that sweet Sonoma of yesteryear, there’s no better place to base yourself than Farmhouse Inn.

Set the scene

Located near the banks of the Russian River–and within easy driving distance to the charming town of Healdsburg, as well as some of the region's best vineyards–this 25-room property feels delightfully laid-back and intimate. There is a lovely, recently refreshed spa, a charming little swimming pool, and the most beautiful gardens, especially if you come in late spring or early summer when the roses are going off. There is a natural, easy elegance to the property and its ethos feel in-step with Sonoma’s wine making and farming roots–something that shines through in the decor, the spa treatments at the wellness barn, the meticulously sourced ingredients that make their way onto the menu, and the incredibly knowing staff that can help you discover all the regional treasures–from the most scenic bike ride to the best neighboring vineyards.

The backstory

Until very recently, Farmhouse Inn was a totally independent, family-run hotel—a rarity in both Sonoma and Napa these days. It was founded in 2001 by brother and sister Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, fifth-generation Sonomans whose family farm is nearby. They were a constant presence for decades, checking in with regulars at the restaurant and joining in afternoon wine tastings. In September 2023, Foley Entertainment Group (established by businessman and vintner Bill Foley with other luxe hospitality ventures like Santa Barbara’s Hotel Californian under its aegis) purchased the majority share of Farmhouse Inn. That said, Joe and Catherine are still partial owners and are still involved in the evolution and continuation of the property.

The rooms

There are three different types of rooms–cottages, barn suites, and farmhouse rooms. All are beautiful with a country-chic look; bright and airy with white wainscotting, pillowy bedding, and sort of haute-rustic touches that might include a personal welcome message on small blackboard (the type you see at an honor-system farmstand offering fresh eggs), a fireplace, and comfortable overstuffed chairs. Bathrooms are beyond dreamy: the one in my cottage had heated marble floors, a roomy tub for two, a steam shower (the bouquet of local eucalyptus hanging from the showerhead was a wonderfully fragrant surprise), and a private patio where I had coffee in the mornings.

Food and drink

There are two dining options, Farmhouse Restaurant and the Farmstand. The Restaurant, which has been a fine dining destination since the boutique hotel’s inception over two decades ago, is dinner-only and is open Thursday through Monday. It offers an ever-evolving chef’s tasting menu with hyper local ingredients (many of them grown on the Bartolomei family farm) and, naturally, a stellar regional wine list. The Restaurant occupies a beautiful space–like the most elegant version of a convivial farmhouse dining room–with wide-planked floors, a hearth, and wood-beamed ceilings. The indoor-outdoor Farmstand is a more casual affair, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Think homemade granola and brioche French toast with strawberry compote for breakfast and kale Caesar salad and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner.

The spa

The Wellness Barn, as it’s named, is in lock-step with the rest of the property; intimate, relaxed and dialed into the surroundings with many of the treatments spotlighting locally grown and sourced ingredients. The spa menu includes the expected massages and facials as well as more surprising options, like a CBD and gem stone bathing ritual.

The neighborhood/area

Sonoma is one of the most beautiful counties in California and one of the rare destinations where you can go from beach to redwoods to vineyards in an afternoon. The Farmhouse Inn is an excellent home base from which to explore Sonoma. It’s about 15 minutes from both Healdsburg, which is an adorable town with excellent restaurants, cute shops, and huge selection of tasting rooms, and Sebatapol, another lovely town with a lot to experience, including the Barlow, a market district with breweries and tasting rooms, cafes, restaurants and creamery. Armstrong Redwoods, a state natural reserve, with its giant trees and miles of hiking trails is about a 10-mile drive from property. When I visited, I went on a e-bike tour that the hotel arranged. We crossed the Russian River and then pedaled along Westside Road, past miles of beautiful vineyards. The Farmhouse Inn has dozens of very close relationships with nearby vineyards and the concierge can help arrange special tours and tastings.

The service

The staff is warm, helpful and knowledgeable. Service is attentive and high level but not at all stuffy.

For families

I wouldn’t say it's a no-brainer for families given what most people come to wine country to do, but, as mentioned, there is a very pretty swimming pool, lots of outdoor space, croquet and nightly s’mores. There is great biking and hiking nearby–it feels more appropriate for older kids and teens than for the under-10 crowd.

Eco effort

It’s all about sourcing locally here. What isn’t grown or raised on the Bartolomei family’s property is most likely purchased from farmers and vintners down the road. Any to-go containers from the Farmstand are made of recyclable glass or are biodegradable; kitchen waste goes to hotels 80-some hens, who in turn lay all of the eggs for the property. The restaurant has its own filtered water system (for still and sparkling) preventing the need to import single-use plastic water bottles.

Accessibility

The hotel has ADA-compliant rooms and a convenient way to get from the accessible parking spot to the check-in area, spa, restaurant, and guest rooms.