This place is characterful in the fullest sense of the word. We had a truly blissful stay here. Our 3 children (16, 15, 11) rate our 2 night stay at Mountain Home Ranch as the best part of our 3.5 week trip to the USA which took in New York, Washington, Yellowstone, Monterey and San Francisco. That's quite a commendation!
We had a fantastic welcome from John and Suzanne who gave us great advice about what to do both on the ranch and in and around Calistoga as well as their famous and delicious breakfast spread. The kids spent most of their time on the tennis/basketball court or in and on the Ranch's private Lake Orth which we seemed to have pretty much to ourselves. The 2 pedalos and tin canoe which were left for the enjoyment of visitors were much appreciated, as was the laid back attitude. We parents felt completely happy to let the kids free-range as the place felt so safe and caring. While they dipped, paddled and bathed, we took John's recommended walk around the ranch's Memorial Grove (where moving plaques on trees commemorate John's grandparents who originally acquired the ranch in the early 1900s, and other relatives), the "hot" springs and tank (kind of luke warm actually but very refreshing on a hot summer's day) and the places where John used to play as a school boy.
We stayed in Grandpa's and enjoyed being able to cook for ourselves when eating out in Calistoga felt too expensive on the second night. Nice terrace overlooking the sunny small pool (but we preferred freshwater swimming in the lake).
Thank you John and Suzanne, we would highly recommend a stay at Mountain Home Ranch. It feels like a slightly ramshackle but very genuine and comfortable place, full of heart and thoughtfulness, compared to some of the more glitzy but impersonal places in Calistoga itself. And much better value for money in our opinion!

Three of us had an opportunity to spend three nights at the Mountain Home Ranch in early September. We were looking for a spot in the heart of wine country that offer an experience superior than a common motel but which wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. This place fit the bill.

Getting there was a bit on an adventure since we arrived rather late and had to negotiate the dark winding road that leads up to the ranch. Our GPS deposited us at the entrance without incident, and found our way to the office where we called for John, who arrived quickly got us settled in to the cabin they call Power.

The cabin consisted of a large room that contained a small table, a double bed and a twin, and a second room with three twin beds. A bath was situated between the two rooms. I was pleased to find that, while not fancy, the cabin was impeccably clean. I claimed the double be and found it reasonably comfortable. My companions voiced no complaints as to the twins.

As others have said, breakfast was a highlight. We were the only guests on the first morning, having slotted in between a group that just left and several couples and families who arrived the next day. John had asked us what time we wanted breakfast, and when we arrived we found fresh scones, omelets and fresh fruit waiting for us. I wait mediocre coffee and was thrilled to find that the coffee was truly excellent.

The ranch itself unquestionably could use a little sprucing up, but if you are OK with rustic I doubt you'd mind. We enjoyed the views and peace and quiet, and did some hiking (watch out for the "pygmy forest' trail unless you are prepared for some seriously steep and narrow trails and have proper footwear) but mainly used the cabin as a jumping off point for other Napa/Sonoma activities. It was perfect for that.

So in sum, it was a pleasant experience and I'd stay there again. it's clean but basic, and geared far more toward the down to earth, nature loving guest than those that wish to be pampered.

A very rustic and rural retreat in the middle of nowhere but perfect for experiencing peaceful walks and a refreshing swim in the nearby lake. The hut we stayed in was the smallest. It had a bed, separate toilet room and a basin with only cold water but the communal shower nearby had hot water. The site has WiFi which is a bonus.
Sounds travel around the camp so it's noisy at times. Plenty of positive points if you don't mind the rustic living. Breakfast included and homemade. Oh and the doors don't lock from the outside so leaving valuables whilst you go out is based on trust.

highlights of Mountain Home Ranch:
homecooked meals including hot naan, plum syrup, lemon scones and more
swimming in the pools and the quiet lake
carrots for the goats, lying on the chaise lounge to watch the perseid meteor showers
warm care from the owners (John and Suzanne) and all the staff
I loved this place