My wife and I took a Labor Day mini-vacation to a place we found on Trip Advisor; what a wonderful spot! 8 Miles outside Willits, in the hills, this little jewel features great hospitality, wonderful scenery, and the best in accomodations and food. My wife loved the steam shower and two person jacuzzi, and we both loved the breakfasts. Earl and Christy Collins, the proprietors were lovely people, and we enjoyed visiting with them around the table overlooking the beautiful redwoods and the surrounding countryside. Their dinner recommendation (the Purple Thistle in Willits - try the veggie tempura) was top-notch. While we were initially worried about finding the place, it proved very easy and an easy, pretty ride from town. We'll be back!

As published in the SF Chronicle
"Follow the Reader"
Sunday, August 22, 2004


Cottages Tucked into Redwoods near Willits

On a recent hiking trip to the Mendocino Mountains, two hours north of San Francisco, we discovered a new bed and breakfast tucked in the mountains 8 miles west of Willits, known for the historic Skunk Train through the redwoods. Just 45 minutes from the ocean, the countryside is breathtaking, and a redwood-lined golf course is down the road.

Two years after innkeepers Earl and Christy Collins came west from Georgia, three new cottages on their Beside Still Waters Farm were ready for guests this spring. Our "Stepping Stones" cottage had a carved, pencil-post king-size bed with a handmade duvet cover, a "waterfall" whirlpool for two and an aromatherapy steam shower/foot spa. The spacious bedroom includes a cast-iron gas fireplace, satellite TV, CD player, refrigerator and microwave, small eating and sitting areas and complimentary snacks and drinks (including a half bottle of local Husch wine and fresh coffee beans with grinder).

A gourmet breakfast was served under the umbrella table on our deck overlooking a beautiful garden and the valley. It's a bit of a splurge at $245 a night, but we thought it was an exceptional value, particularly compared to what you get in Napa for the same price. Rose Arbor Cottage is $225, with periodic $179 specials. Meadowood Guesthouse (two bedrooms and full kitchen), for $265, can sleep six and is perfect for two couples or families.

MARCIE POWERS and
TOM VAN LOKEREN
San Francisco

5 star accommodations!

Wow! We discovered Beside Still Waters Farm and what a place! The cottages are beautifully decorated and have amenities that we've not found elsewhere - personal saunas that you use aromatherapy oils in, great big whirlpool tubs in the bedroom, fireplaces, and neat little kitchens built into a cabinet. The innkeepers are great hosts and the food is delicious! They provide snacks and drinks, too! While you may think the rates are high - for what you get, they're a steal. They're also 8 miles off of Hwy 101, so no noise to deal with (unlike all of the other lodging in Willits.)

I highly recommend Beside Still Waters Farm to anyone traveling in the Mendocino County area. It's close to everything you'd want to see and has so many things to help you relax - you might just do like we did and stay in instead.