My husband and I traveled to the wine country for a week and had the good fortune to stay at the Farmhouse Inn for 3 days. Bliss began with the incredibly friendly and warm staff who offered us water, tea, and soda for refreshments, updated us on nightly fresh baked cookies and a s'more kit that could be delivered to our room. We were also told us to help ourselves to various bath and shower products that were available. Next we were brought to our room (suite) in the barn, and left to relax which we did...immediately. Our suite was fully accessible as I require crutches for walking, with the exception of the four poster bed that must have been almost 4 feet tall and required that a step stool be brought to help me access the bed. This was the one glitch in our stay, but my husband's recommendation that they remove the box spring was done after the first night and this took care of the problem. The Farmhouse Inn is definitely about the guest and we really experienced the staff making every effort to ensure our stay was wonderful, ranging from winery and restaurant recommendations to the bag of fresh figs the waitstaff gave me because I told them I loved figs.
Speaking of figs, I ate one of the best desserts EVER there. The homemade fig newton with lightly caramelized figs, cinnamon ice cream, and port caramel sauce was amazing. And as a formerly professional cook I have seen my share of flavored foams accompanying first courses and desserts as if they were a mark of culinary excellence, but this is the first restaurant I have ever been to where the foam which accompanied my halibut crudo appetizer didn't turn to a puddle and provided a light lemongrass flavored sauce for the delicious fish. Stuart's dungeness crab timbale with heirloom tomato gazpacho was astounding and his steak was deliciously crusted and fork tender. We won't even talk about the chocolate souffle. Breakfasts were innovative and hearty with two choices each morning including items like mango soup, steak and eggs, belgian waffles, etc. However, if you want something lighter they are more than happy to do this as well. My only criticism was the morning coffee which we found too weak, although the decaf which we had after dinner was quite good.
Unfortunately it was too chilly for the pool, and the s'mores were not available as bad weather prevented lighting the firepit, but we will just have to come back at a different time to experience these things. There is a spa as well but we had too little time, and too many wineries we wanted to visit, to try it out.
Bliss and deliciousness are not inexpensive, but if you are looking for a vacation, or even a night, where the food, the wine, the hospitality, and the surroundings will make you feel warm and welcomed, then this is most definitely the place to go. We will certainly be back.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
November 16, 2012
Thanks for visiting us- and thanks for taking the time to write this great review. I agree, the beds in the Barn can be a little overwhelming- between the pillow top, the feather bed and the duvet, it's, it feels like a bit of a climb! My 7 year-old daughter says it's like climbing into a cloud, but worth it... ;) I'm so glad you had the idea to remove the box spring!
And I'm glad you enjoyed the figs- our tree produces about a million tons a year, and we're so happy to find another willing consumer!
Next time you visit, ask for your coffee "staff strength"- we'll make you a special pot. I can't personally drink it, but my brother and the chefs swear by it...
Hope to see you soon.
My best,
Catherine
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