Introduction / Description
Overlooking Mendocino Bay, this modern B&B in a rustic building off Route 1 sits 2 miles from Mendocino and the Little River Golf Course.
The property is set in verdant gardens, and there's a cozy common area with a fireplace. Complimentary local wines and beers, light dinner buffets and breakfast are served in a dining room with wood decor and a porch.
Rising from the land on a windswept bluff-top overlooking the rugged Mendocino coast sits a remarkable cathedral of eco-salvaged redwood. Spectacular windows frame postcard views of the pines and the surf beyond. Inside, the clean and contemporary Arts and Crafts style; the attention to detail; and the included meals incorporating locally-sourced, organic cuisine prepared by an accomplished executive chef wrap guests in a cocoon of comfort. Snuggle. Relax. Rekindle. This is the Brewery Gulch Inn.
The Brewery Gulch Inn located one mile south of the town of Mendocino — is also steeped in local logging history. Built in 2001, the property was sold to Guy Pacurar in 2007. “I was attracted to the design of the inn,” Pacurar recalls, “the fact that it was built from 150-year old reclaimed first growth redwood and its commanding site, perched high on a knoll with a picturesque view.” And although that earthy ambiance remains, Pacurar has added his own touches to the property over the years, including a newly renovated accessible bathroom in the Redwood Room.
Arrival & Car Parking
Accessible Rooms & Bathrooms / Accessibility
The first thing that you notice when you enter the lobby is the magnificent redwood that lines the walls and ceiling of the inn — and that wood has quite the history behind it. Back in the 1800s Mendocino was the site of a booming logging industry. As the story goes, remnants of that logging industry surfaced over 100 years later when some perfectly preserved 150-year old redwood logs were discovered buried deep in silt. Those logs — many of which were 16-feet in diameter — were salvaged and used to construct the inn. Today the lobby boasts a dramatic 14-foot ceiling, redwood-framed windows, and massive French doors which lead out to the spacious deck. And then there’s the handcrafted redwood reception desk. Everywhere you turn, there’s more redwood!
The accessible Redwood Room is located on the first floor, right off the main lobby. Access features include wide doorways and good pathway access throughout the room. Furnishings include a 27-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, a desk, and two comfortable easy chairs in front of the gas fireplace. There’s also level access to the back porch, which offers a view of the grounds and a glimpse of Smuggler’s Cove in the distance.
The new bathroom is a sight to behold. The previous modular roll-in shower was replaced with a custom-built version featuring ceramic and glass tiles. The fold-down shower bench is placed near the shower controls and the lowered hand-held showerhead, and the shower grab bars are attractive as well as functional. And the little details — like a lowered soap dish and towel bars — weren’t forgotten either.
The old shower only took up three-quarters of the wall space, leaving an awkward gap at the end. Not only was it visually unappealing, but it prevented a toilet grab bar from being mounted on the wall. Instead, a ground-mounted toilet grab bar was used, which blocked full access from one side of the toilet. The new design features grab bars mounted on the right (as seated) and back walls, with greatly improved access.
Although the whole room is very well done access-wise, my favorite design feature is the sink vanity. At first glance it looks like a standard vanity, but it opens up to reveal a roll-under sink. Even better, it doesn’t just look like an open cabinet — it looks like a piece of custom-built furniture. Truly it’s the most attractive roll-under sink that I’ve ever seen.
Service is top rate at the Brewery Gulch Inn too, and their nightly light dinner buffet is the talk of the county. Although it’s designed as an appetizer, it’s substantial enough for dinner. Top it off with your favorite wine or beer, and you’re good to go until breakfast. The morning meal, which features locally sourced organic cuisine, is made-to-order. Be sure and try the millionaire’s bacon, as the sweet and hot flavor profile will definitely leave you wanting more.
Bottom line — although the Brewery Gulch Inn is certainly a very comfortable property, it’s the homey touches and attentive staff that really push it over the top. The rafter of turkeys on the front lawn combined with the old water tower really set the mood for a true country experience; but the sinfully delicious caramels on my pillow, the welcome bottle of champagne and the receptionist who remembered my first name, definitely make me want to return again and again.
