It’s funny how fate waves its magic wand to grant a pleasant surprise. Veteran travelers delight in these serendipitous moments, ones never forgotten. Our stay at the Inn at Newport Ranch was one of those.
A few days before our road trip began, we received an unexpected email from a person who had helped us organize it. She suggested adding a stay at the Inn, about a dozen miles north of Fort Bragg. A quick Google search later, we agreed to extend our Mendocino adventure. And we’re so glad we did.
A fifteen-minute drive north on Highway 1 brought us from Noyo Harbor to the Inn. We turned down a long driveway toward what looked like a ranch or farm complex surrounded by acres of golden brown grass. As we drew closer, the buildings looked more impressive and inviting.
Like our last two Inns, Brewery Gulch and Noyo Harbor, the architecture reflected the clean lines and farmhouse simplicity of the craftsmen movement – with a Mendocino twist. In fact, the Inn’s main building, home to its public rooms, several guest rooms, dining room, and kitchen, was a farmhouse at one time. The century-old dwelling was deftly updated over four years without compromising its original style, ideally suiting its coastal setting. Surrounding it is a 2,100-acre private ranch that stretches from the sea to redwood forests. Opened in 2015, the Inn offers a variety of upscale accommodations.
