Hollyhock Country House

I had two criteria for this second annual trip to Sonoma: Stay anywhere except a hotel and visit some small organic farms that don’t offer public farm tours. Even when I’m considered a tourist, I hate being around tourists. I found a hundred-year-old farmhouse bed and breakfast off the beaten wine tasting path, and just far enough away from the Sonoma Plaza, but close enough to Wholefoods to get my special morning cereal and alternative milk. I pulled up to the Hollyhock Country House just after sunset and realized I had chosen the perfect place to hang my hat for a couple of nights. The lit wooden plank porch was absolutely charming, especially with an inviting ginger cat perched on the top step purring for a pet. Although I couldn’t see too much, I noticed the colorfully painted quilt patterned doors on the detached garage and sheds, giving the place just enough funkiness to make me feel at home. When I entered through the wood framed screen door, onto the creaky original hardwood floor, I could here the soft sound of a television show down the hallway, and smell the fresh, sweet aroma of baked bread. I echoed “hello” through the short corridor and a bright-eyed hostess emerged with a welcoming smile. Accustomed to the weary traveler showing up at dark, she intuitively showed me my room, the bathroom, the wifi code, and then asked me my plans for the morning. One thing about the genteel homeowner and innkeeper, Lucille, she'll prepare scrumptious homemade morning treats!

We stayed here for one night. It is a beautiful Arts and Crafts home with alll original features. Lucille, the host, made us feel welcome and comfortable. She was also really helpful with directions to the centre of town (about 30 minutes walk) and with routes to run in the morning. Breakfast was lovely. A quaint place to stay and a very pleasant experience.

Fantastic little piece of paradise and great welcome and breakfast.

The hostess (Lucille) is terrific. The farmhouse is old, but the place is impeccably clean with beautiful antiques. And breakfasts were wonderful with plenty of interesting conversation.

Lucille's house was a wonderful place to stay, she is a lovely host. Great location for the wedding we went to at Cornerstone.

So much fun! The owner is delightful-a professional baker ( she made pastries to "dye for", a professional artist and a world wide traveler. Room furnishings are antique collections from Germany. This is a non traditional environment-unique, fun, perhaps "funky" not a the traditional cookie cutter room. Turning onto a graveled dirt short road, passing mosaic tiled clay pots, you will see a large colorful abstract design painted on the garage front and a parking sign..this is definitely an artist abode. The charming owner has a welcoming smile and many adventures to share. My husband and I had a wonderful time and hope too return soon .

The host is wonderful. The home is comfortable.

Nice, friendly accommodations. Very pleasant owner/proprietor.

Very quiet place 5 minutes by car to town of Sonoma. Lucille is friendly & artistic & provides yummy homemade bread & strudel for breakfast. The room & bed are small, the bed is a bit "tired" & there is no shower; just a bathtub. Overall it's a sweet place to stay.

Funky old farmhouse, congenial host, very quiet location. No Wine Country luxury here, just a good bed and nice homemade pastries. Good price for summer in Sonoma.