The Madrona, Healdsburg Review | Hotels Above Par

Credit Matthew MillmanHotel Snapshot

In the upper reaches of California’s famed Sonoma County wine country, a historic hillside abode has been transformed into a whimsical wonderland of color, curiosity, and curated treasures. Since opening in spring 2022, The Madrona has become something of a poster child for the region, thanks to its striking Victorian architecture, fanciful eclectic interiors, and setting among picturesque, vine-laced landscapes.

The hotel’s draw is its individuality: its architecture, design, landscape, and location come together to create an experience unlike anywhere else. The maximalist style of the interiors is certainly not for everyone—and that’s part of the allure. Those who appreciate a collected approach to décor—one that is consistent in its intentional incohesiveness from room to room—will relish discovering new objects and artifacts every time they scan a space. Bright and airy in summer and wonderfully cozy in winter, this property is a year-round escape into the unbridled imagination of its designer and co-owner, Jay Jeffers.

Design & Character

From the outside, The Madrona’s showpiece High Victorian architecture makes quite the first impression. As the steep driveway winds up the hillside past rows of grapevines, the imposing mansion that presides over the valley below comes into view. Built in 1881, the residence’s pitched gables, bay windows, and ornate soffit and porch detailing may remind some of Henry Creel’s house in Stranger Things. Lush gardens surround the white-clapboard walls and wraparound porch, enhancing the grandeur of the stately home.

Jeffers—a San Francisco–based interior designer with 25 years of studio experience—has imbued the spaces with his signature whimsical flair, elevating the inherent “camp” of the architecture. For The Madrona, his first-ever hotel project, he paired striking pastel paint shades with richly hued or patterned upholstery and furniture pieces that will leave you wondering where on earth they were sourced. Every object and artwork has a story, which Jeffers will gladly share if you catch him on the property. The result is a truly eclectic collection that cements The Madrona as a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel.

The Rooms

Spread between the upper floors of the main house and the equally ornamental carriage house across the parking lot, each of the 24 guest rooms is uniquely designed to accommodate the architectural quirks and unconventional layouts of the historic buildings. No two are alike. Salon Rooms occupy the mansion’s original bedrooms and benefit from larger footprints and soaring ceilings, while Studio Rooms offer features such as sloped ceilings, open fireplaces, balconies, and sweeping valley views.

In the main house, the maximalist decor of the ground floor is subtly toned down in the rooms, where colors are more muted but furniture and patterns remain distinctive. Studio Suites in the carriage house nod to the building’s equestrian origins, while the Owner’s Loft in the original ranch house is accessed via a private exterior staircase. A collection of secluded bungalows on the fringes of the eight-acre estate offers more privacy within unique architectural structures tucked among the trees.

Credit Molly DecoudreauxThe Food & Drink Situation

Breakfast is a help-yourself spread of pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, and self-squeezed orange juice using a vintage-style press. It’s best enjoyed in the morning sun on the porch terrace, though the cozy parlor is equally charming on greyer days. The on-site restaurant is open to both guests and the public for lunch Wednesday–Friday, brunch on weekends, and dinner daily. Many ingredients come from the half-acre of land up the hill that grows a variety of produce, created in partnership with Aris Curtis—a champion of regenerative farming. Garden-inspired pizzas, ultra-fresh salads, and beautifully plated dishes, including a juicy beef tenderloin, are all standouts. Meals can be taken in the sunlit yellow dining room or al fresco on the striped, canvas-covered Palm Terrace.

For drinks, Hannah’s Bar at the front of the hotel opens at 3pm and offers signature cocktails combining rare spirits with ingredients sourced from the estate. The Estate Martini—topped with house-made nasturtium oil—is a must-try. Naturally, the wine list is immaculately curated, featuring both local and international varietals.

Credit Matthew MillmanThe Amenities

The outdoor pool and lounge area is the social hub during warmer months. Tucked behind the house, the enclosed space is a sun trap perfect for unwinding with a book and a cold drink from the bar. For more active pursuits, adorable basket-front bicycles are available for exploring the meandering country roads or popping into Healdsburg for lunch or an art-gallery crawl.

Larger parties can book a two-hour cocktail-crafting class hosted by expert mixologist Scott Beattie and set within the hotel’s lush grounds. Smaller groups may indulge in a decadent High Tea on Saturday afternoons—a feast of sandwiches, bubbles, and tea-infused cocktails served on the porch or in the cozy salon. The estate is also well-equipped for weddings of up to 150 guests, with celebrations unfolding across its many outdoor spaces—from intimate rehearsal dinners to expansive lawn gatherings.

Credit Matthew MillmanLocation & Neighborhood

Positioned on the western slope of the Russian River and Dry Creek valleys, The Madrona overlooks vineyards that stretch toward nearby Healdsburg, the center of which is just a mile away. The town is Sonoma County’s creative hub, offering a quieter, more artsy alternative to the flashier spots in Napa and Sonoma valleys. The hotel’s estate feels pleasantly remote

Credit Matthew MillmanFast Facts

Location: Healdsburg, California, USA

Address: 1001 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Rating: Five-star

The Vibe: Whimsical, wine-fueled Victorian fantasy

Room Count: 24

Starting Rate: $385+ per night (plus taxes/fees) off-season

Dining: The Madrona’s restaurant and bar serve continental breakfast for guests and are open to the public for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Expect American favorites with a French spin, accompanied by a curated selection of local and international wines, or signature cocktails.

Amenities: Outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, free WiFi, complimentary bicycle rental, continental breakfast.

Our favorite part of the hotel: The quirky design details, vintage furniture, and curated artwork across the ground-floor spaces create a singular setting for relaxing with a glass (or bottle) of local wine.

What’s nearby? The famed wineries of Sonoma County are at your fingertips. The Madrona sits at the convergence of the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Dry Creek Valley wine-producing regions, offering countless tasting opportunities within easy reach. Many visitors opt for guided tours that allow them to sample multiple wineries in a single day without worrying about logistics. That said, exploring the landscape doesn’t have to revolve around wine—nearby hiking trails, scenic drives, and cycling routes make for delightful diversions. Healdsburg itself is booming with boutiques, independent art galleries, and charming bars and restaurants.

Any personal neighborhood recs? Five minutes south of the hotel, Flowers Winery occupies a striking blackened-wood structure tucked behind a redwood grove and offers elegant Sonoma Coast chardonnays and pinot noirs. Tastings take place in cabanas scattered throughout wildflower-dotted landscaping. For a splurge, SingleThread—a three-Michelin-star gem—serves a seasonal 10-course tasting menu featuring ingredients grown on the owners’ nearby farm. The town also hosts several inviting art galleries (some offering wine as you browse), and the Design Healdsburg event brings together talks, tours, and exhibition openings each October.

Closest airport: Most visitors arrive via San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and make the 1.5-hour drive north to wine country—crossing the Golden Gate Bridge if you want added drama. The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa is just 15 minutes away but currently serves only regional West Coast flights, plus routes from Dallas and Denver.

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