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Enjoy the Tranquility of Mendocino's Glendeven Inn By
George Medovoy, Editor (Above, the main house at Glendeven Inn is a converted Federalist-style farmhouse constructed in 1867) When my wife and I think of Mendocino, one of the first things that comes to mind is "tranquility." Not so much "quiet," but the kind of inner peace that seems to come with some places, and there is no better example of this, I think, than a new discovery we've made up Mendocino way called Glendeven Inn, a small bed and breakfast nestled on a headland meadow above Little River and only about a seven-minute drive south of the village of Mendocino itself.
(Like something out of a story book setting, Glendeven Inn looks out from its picturesque setting towards the ocean) The first thing you see as you pull off Highway 1 and drive onto the property is the historic farmhouse, which is now Glendeven's main building -- a New England-style, Federalist home built in 1867 by Isaiah Stevens, who, like so many other New Englanders, made the voyage here with his family from Maine to join the emerging lumber industry. Thanks to people like Stevens, the values of family and hard work were transplanted to this "new world," not to mention the New England-style architecture that gives Mendocino the appearance of a Northeastern setting, so much so that it has often been used iin movies set in New England. Don't Be Surprised by the Llamas But don't be surprised when you come face to face with the inn's friendly, resident llamas, recently added by Glendeven's owners.
(The friendly llamas at Glendeven Inn like being fed by the guests) The llamas, all females, were moved up here from their former home in Bear Valley Springs in the southern Sierra Mountains. The llamas live in the meadows surrounding the inn and, according to the innkeepers, are a "huge hit" with guests, as my wife and I can attest because in the afternoon we joined several other guests in the pasture during the evening wine hour to feed the very tame and curious llamas during "quality llama time." Of course, you can't feed the llamas because their diet is not a human one, so the inn makes sure to have treats available for you to feed them - usually hays and grains. Eventually, Glendeven hopes to use the llamas to pack lunches on treks into the state parks. Comfortable East Farmington Suite During our visit to Glendeven Inn, we stayed in the very comfortable and spacious East Farmington suite in Stevenscroft, a stylish annex with four suites. Ours had the feel of English country lodging, with its corner-hearthed fireplace and cottage-paned windows through which you could catch a glimpse of the countryside and the ocean.
(The Stevenscroft annex sits under the trees behind the main farmhouse) In the morning, you could step out onto the deck and enjoy the warmth of the sun as you read the paper or, better yet, just took in the magnificent view and the solitude.
(The patio affords a nice opportunity to take in the view and the solitude)
And during the night, well, what could be nicer than the oh-so-cozy Louis XVI queen-sized bed? Glendeven also offers comfortable lodging in the main farmhouse, including five lovely two-room suites, some with antiques, sitting room and balcony ocean views. Then there is the Carriage House Suite - which comes with a spacious living room and a bedroom, in addition to a private balcony overlooking the gardens and the inn's original water tower, Mendocino having once been known for its iconic water towers.
(The fireplace in East Farmington...just relax in a comfy chair with a good book) Finally, there's the Barn Loft, which is a vacation rental that can accommodate up to six people and offers wonderful ocean, meadow and forest views. The Barn Loft includes two bedrooms plus a loft bedroom and a full kitchen. (Glendeven's breakfasts not included). What's of added interest about the Barn Loft is that it occupies the second and third stories of the same building that houses the Partners Gallery, an art gallery on the premises, which provides a venue for Mendocino artists. During our visit, the gallery was showing jewelry and the work of local photographers. Breakfast Served in Your Room Glendeven likes to make breakfasts really special, and so in keeping with this wish, the innkeepers deliver your freshly-baked breakfast to your room. At this point, I have to add that, in our case, we had requested an opportunity to have our breakfast in the main house living room, at a table next to the window overlooking for meadow. Our hosts did not think this a problem and happily seated us in the living room.
(Breakfasts at Glendeven are special) On the breakfast front, Glendeven Inn has hired Tiffany Evans, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, who brings her culinary training and creativity to the front in preparing your breakfasts. Our delightful breakfast consisted of hand-squeezed orange and grapefruit juice (a lovely combination!), blueberry almond crisp, baked egg with mushrooms and spinach over polenta, and lemon and blueberry scones. Of course, we enjoyed plenty of fresh coffee and herbal teas. Gourmet Lunches, Too, for Picnics Glendeven Inn now also offers gourmet lunches, which you can take along on outings to some of Mendocino's great gems, including the Botanical Gardens, the waterfall in Russian Gulch State Park, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, or a picnic on the beach. Ashley Blank, the innkeeper at Glendeven and a Mendocino native, is always available with suggestions on what to do and where to go.
(One nice place to visit while at Glendeven Inn is the beach, where Big River feeds into the ocean) Of course, you don't have to go very far to enjoy yourself. For example, my wife and I delighted in walking through the delicately landscaped grounds of Glendeven Inn, where one finds an intoxicating mix of ferns, begonias, and fuschias in the greenhouse under the water tower.
(Back at Glendeven Inn after your outing, sit back and relax in a big easy chair. You might even want to enjoy a glass of sherry) The owners of the inn are also building an eco-friendly trail down through the back woods that will lead to Van Damme State Park's trail system, quite literally, they say, from right outside your back door. Plans include seating areas with treetop views as you make your way down into the park's "Bog Walk." But whatever you choose to do at Glendeven, there's always the wonderful feeling of tranquility. WHEN YOU GO… The Glendeven Inn is located in Mendocino, California at 8305 North Highway 1. For more information or reservations, call (800) 822-4536, or visit www.glendeven.com. (Most rooms include wood burning fireplaces). Glendeven is also a member of the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America.
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