Travel Tuesday — Staycation at Sonoma County's Newest Historic Estate Resort — The Stavrand, Russian River Valley

   

Check out the Russian River Valley's new kid on the Redwood block — The Stavrand, a luxury retreat nestled under the canopy of giant trees, which has recently undergone a complete renovation transforming the former and dormant Applewood Inn near Guerneville into a chic, new resort with the character of a boutique hotel. 

Back in March of 2020, Emily Glick, the now-General Manager of the Stavrand, oversaw the temporary closure of the 131-room Kimpton Buchanan Hotel she had helmed in San Francisco for over 6 years.

 

Just as the pandemic turned the entire hospitality industry upside down, it also brought exciting new opportunities for creative folk like Emily to follow their dreams. Rewinding to childhood, she had long since dreamed of hosting guests at her very own hotel where she could shape each aspect of their experience to create a one-of-a-kind property. 

 

Emily and her husband, Sam, enlisted friends and family to help acquire the (dormant) Applewood Inn and made good use of the first half of 2021 to fully renovate the old hotel into The Stavrand, Russian River Valley.

 

Fall and winter is a great time for a staycation and with introductory rates, why not book yourself a couple of nights as a home-away-from-home only with lots of luxuries and amenities and the redwoods for peace and quiet?

Built in 1922 and thoughtfully renovated in 2021, the property's main Belden House is the elegant and charming heart of the hotel. This historic mansion (registered Sonoma County Landmark No. 129) was designed by famed architect John Carl Warnecke as the country home of Ralph “Rooster” Belden, who resided in the property with his wife and son. The Belden House features lots of new designer touches, including chic wallcovering, custom artwork and upscale, modern furnishings that complement inherited antiques.

Guests are invited to lounge poolside, ride bikes, kayak or float on the river in the warmer months. How does toasting marshmallows fireside after a relaxing massage and an outside cedar hot tub sound?

Designed to complement the style of the historic Belden House, the Cazadero building was constructed several decades later. The 2021 remodel completely reimagined these spacious (330 sq. ft.) rooms, including a new luxury look for all bathrooms. Every room in Cazadero offers direct access to surrounding nature and many feature some combination of gas fireplaces, freestanding soaking tubs and outdoor cedar hot tubs with views of the open sky.

The Stavrand's culinary team is all set to delight your palate with farm-fresh California cuisine from hot breakfast through nightcap. Guests enjoy exclusive access to a signature daily breakfast, all day dining, and intimate dinners designed to showcase the best of the property's culinary garden. Chef’s dinner menu is set each morning, calling upon the bounty of the moment, seasonal inspirations and even the weather forecast.

Weddings and Private Parties

Reserve the entirety of the Stavrand’s 6 acres, 21 guestrooms, and common spaces for your next big celebration. Wouldn't it be wonderful to treat family and  friends to an entire weekend (or weekday) at your own private estate? The Stavrand team plans to foster connections and celebratory relaxation by welcoming everyone to experience events-within-the-event under the redwood trees. This lovely property is large enough to meet the needs of mid-sized weddings and parties.

For work from home team escapes, the Stavrand boasts gigabit fiber optic internet, sun-soaked meeting space in the Sun Room or Stavrand Hall, opportunities for indoor or outdoor break-out areas, food & beverage plus luxe accommodations to infuse some fun and comfort into your meeting.

Book direct for special offers. 

Meanwhile, in other news from the Russian River Region, The Madrona Manor renovations led by Jay Jeffers are underway and the 22-room hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant will relaunch as The Madrona with fantastical animal motifs blended with natural woodlands and antiques in early 2022.