Farmhouse Inn - Where Everything You’ve Heard is True…
AN IN-PERSON conversation With Joe Bartolomei, Owner.
How did farmhouse inn Come abOut?
We are 5th-generation Forestville residents. Our family owns a farm in the area, which is where my sister, Catherine, currently lives. We originally wanted to start an Inn on the farm, but for multiple reasons the property wasn’t right for the project we had in mind.
By chance, a friend of Catherine’s approached her about a traditional farmhouse that was for sale down the road. The original house, built in 1873, had seen better days but had good bones. We could see the potential for it and the surrounding cottages.
We opened the property on February 14, 2001 and are proudly celebrating our 20th anniversary this year. Since buying the property, we have added more than a few coats of paint! We’ve added a spa, more (and different) room categories, and a food truck - Farmstand - for casual lunch by the pool. Future plans include updating the pool furniture and introducing a new in-room coffee program with local producers.
The hotel is considered one of the best in the world and has received multiple accolades - including being named the Best Hotel in California by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016. On top of that, the hotel’s restaurant has maintained its’ Michelin star for 14 years.
Farmhouse Inn is a project that is continuously growing and evolving - and I am very involved in all aspects of the Inn - especially when it comes to the design and function of the rooms. We are proud to have a local connection to the area and to be able to share that with the world.
What is the property’s mission?
Since this is a family owned and run property, we want our staff to feel like family and reflect that feeling onto our guests. We try to make it a point to say ‘yes’ to our guests whenever possible. Guests are greeted by name and welcomed as if it were their own home. In the room, you will settle in with warm, gluten free cookies, wine, and local bath products. We also proudly support family owned and operated businesses in the area and you will see this reflected in the curated itineraries we create for our guests. We find excitement in showing our little corner of California to the rest of the world and we believe in supporting local whenever possible.
what does a perfect day look like at Your Property?
We advise working with our concierge and your travel agent prior to arrival to plan a stay that is uniquely curated to you. And while I don’t think one day is enough at Farmhouse, a perfect day could look something like this:
9 AM - Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your private terrace or al fresco at the Farmhouse Restaurant.
10:30 AM - Head to the coast for a quick hike at Jenner Headlands. With stunning coastal views and resident cows, this hike is not to be missed (as long as you aren’t afraid of cows).
1:30 PM - Enjoy lunch, wine, and an olive oil tasting at one of our local farm & winery partners.
3 PM - Treat yourself to a massage with local products at our reopened Farmhouse spa helmed by our new Spa Manager.
4 PM - Enjoy local wine and appetizers at our nightly wine hour showcasing local producers.
6:30 PM - Enjoy dinner al fresco at our Michelin-starred restaurant. The caviar with local asparagus is a seasonal hit and the ‘Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit’ is a Farmhouse staple.
8:30 PM - Finish your evening with S’mores and a glass of red wine by the fire pits while enjoying the company of fellow guests or stargazing.
Do you have a famous menu item we can share with our clients?
Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
1lb 10oz GF “Cup 4 Cup” flour
4tsp baking soda
2tsp salt
1lb butter - softened
14oz light brown sugar
12oz granulated sugar
4 large eggs
4tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
4c semi-sweet chocolate chips
3c milk chocolate chips
3c white chocolate chips
Sift dry ingredients together. Cream the butter with the sugars, then add eggs one at a time, beating in the vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients until smooth, on low to incorporate. Mix in the chocolate chips and transfer to a large bowl. Refrigerate overnight before baking. Bake at 300 for 9-10 minutes.
LUXE & NYx PICK - 3 nights Minimum!
You need at least three nights at Farmhouse to explore all the area has to offer!! Go hiking on the coast and stop for fresh oysters and chowder in Bodega Bay. Visit local wine producers for unique wine tastings - we like Iron Horse, Small Vines, Littorai, and Freeman. Rent a canoe and float down the Russian River (weather permitting). Plan ahead and snag a reservation at Single Thread in Healdsburg for a unique dining experience. Finally, take one full day and spend it at Farmhouse. Lounge by the pool, luxuriate in a spa treatment, take a bubble bath with local products in your room’s jetted tub, and attend the nightly wine hour before enjoying a Michelin starred dinner experience at Farmhouse Inn.
Luxe and nyx amenity -
On top of our standard amenities, all L&N clients will receive a surprise that is uniquely curated to them!
Be sure to let us book you into their 20th Anniversary Package, which includes all the things that make a celebration special — from a toast on arrival to surprise gifts and farm-fresh culinary delights. Your stay will include: a bottle of locally produced wine, a $70 Farmstand credit, $100 spa credit, 5-hour private wine excursion with a driver, and a commemorative anniversary gift. Availability is limited!
Ready to Book or Have Questions?
We can’t wait for you to experience Farmhouse Inn!
Visit us here or reach out - hello@luxeandnyx.com.
xx, The team at luxe & nyx
