Located just an hour north of San Francisco, is Guerneville; a timeless retreat with an abundance of California redwoods. Nestled between the Sonoma wine country and the Pacific coastline, The Stavrand is situated on six acres in the Russian River Valley and features three buildings, each with their own style.
The main house, the Belden House, is a registered Sonoma Historic Landmark. The home was originally owned by Ralph Belden, the president of the Guerneville Bank and a gentleman farmer, known around town as “Rooster.”
Later additions to the property include the Cazadero House and Armstrong House which seamlessly blend into their surroundings. Mission-style architecture is prominent throughout the property and as a design enthusiast, I was fond of the Talavera tiles.
The central courtyard with fire pits is perfect for gathering with loved ones. Each evening, I enjoyed sitting in a vibrant blue Adirondack chair making s’mores, compliments of The Stavrand. TCHO dark chocolate is included in s’mores kits and it’s sure delightful!
The accommodations onsite offer a harmonious balance of relaxation and taste. I stayed in a Cazadero King Room featuring a fireplace, outdoor soaking tub, and double showers. It offers an unique atmosphere to rejuvenate oneself.
In the evening, I enjoyed soaking in the outdoor tub underneath the redwood trees while watching the evening light fade into a wonderful array of stars. In the morning, I would start the day with an early soak with the fog slowly rolling in.
While Guerneville has a nice selection of restaurants to dine at, The Stavrand has an onsite restaurant that is exclusive to guests. With only 21 rooms on the property, the team at The Stavrand engages with guests on a personal level and their culinary team delights guest’s palates with thoughtfully created and sustainably sourced California cuisine.
Each morning, the Chef’s dinner menu is set and it features the bounty of the moment and Chef’s newest inspirations. For dinner, I had:
Heirloom tomatoes with Thai basil, fried peanuts, and Prik Nam Pla. Paired with Kelton Roots 2021 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir.
Oakridge Ribeye with “bo hanh” sauce, charred onions, and purple cabbage. Paired with Fine Disregard 2019 Grenache.
Mary’s Chicken with pumpkin mole, pepitas, and kabocha squash. Paired with Lúuma 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Fall” in Love Cake with Persian Love Cake, red wine pear sorbet, and candied walnuts.
The fine dining didn’t stop at dinner. Breakfast was just as exciting and had me waking up early just thinking about it! For breakfast, my boyfriend, Matthew and I shared the following dishes:
Overnight Oats with estate apples, dried fruit, cinnamon, and pecans.
Heirloom Toast with heirloom tomatoes, mascarpone, and piment d’ville.
Sonoma Bowl with crispy patatas, honey lavender bacon, and cheddar scrambled eggs.
Dry Creek Bread Co. Toast that’s “buttery goodness” with fresh berries, and salted vanilla syrup.
After a hearty and delicious breakfast it left me ready to explore the redwood forest. I’d suggest hiking around the Armstrong redwoods if you have the time. If you’d rather stick around The Stavrand, there’s a pool, lawn games, and a variety of walking paths to keep you well occupied.
Each evening, I looked forward to an apéritif at the Belden House featuring a wonderful assortment of local wines. It happens to be a complimentary amenity and its nice to be able to taste local wines without having to leave the property.
Overall, my weekend at The Stavrand was rejuvenating. The combination of delightful cuisine, personalized service, and beautiful accommodations is hard to beat!
