Remarks:
INTRODUCTION
This pristine, impeccably-maintained and competitively-priced, “AAA-rated” coastal Inn commands one of California’s most desirable, seaside locations. Ideally nestled within one of the Golden State’s most prized places of poetic beauty, this luxury lodge is also conveniently located just 100 miles north of San Francisco. The importance of “place” underscores the value of this extraordinary offering – an offering that so gracefully shepherds the sea amidst towering stands of redwood and pine, flowering fruit trees, verdant fern groves, blooming rhododendron, wild azalea and opulent orchids -- all in a "place" where calla lilies are, in fact, considered to be mere "weeds!"
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THE NORTH COAST COUNTRY INN
Situated along the famed “Mendonoma” Coast, – where Mendocino and Sonoma counties meet the Pacific at the tranquil shores of the Gualala River --, this picture-perfect and surprisingly posh, six-guest room Inn with handsome, recently updated, separate owners’ quarters commands approximately .86 acres of a forested slope that, with mystical majesty, rises dramatically above cool ocean breezes and California’s famous Scenic Highway One. The Inn’s location is particularly prime, falling as it does within what locally is called the “Banana Belt,” a rare and nearly fogless micro-climate that curiously stretches only from the village of Gualala to this Inn!
A cluster of four juxtaposed, detached, redwood buildings, comprising approximately 4,346 square feet of total finished floor area, includes a separate and highly efficient commercial kitchen attached to an invitingly, immaculate and bright “guest breakfast room.” The "tree-house-like" property further offers an office for guest check-in (equipped with wine cellar) as well as meticulously-maintained grounds enveloping a soothing, rejuvenating, hillside hot tub situated within a secluded, split-level redwood enclosure. All of this is surrounded by lush native landscaping sporting shaded, winding brick pathways, some of which lead to an upper, “top-of-the-world,” park-like span that often serves as a meditation meadow or site for fabulously festive, celestial ceremonies. This peaceful plateau with hidden hammock is itself crowned by a gazebo skirted by plush, manicured lawns and framed, once again, by majestic redwood and pine reaching ever higher toward heavenly-vaulted, azure coastal skies.
Because sea lions particularly favor this part of the coast, their subtle calls occasionally bekon in the distance.
Privately decked with preferred, separate entries, guest accommodations offer unusually spacious bedrooms expanded by inviting lounging areas. Elegant, uniquely-furnished interiors don dramatic vaulted ceilings and intentionally contrast sharply with "classic coast" rustic Redwood exteriors. All suites warmly welcome with romantic fireplaces, "cushy" upholstered furniture, charming antique accents, soft lighting, vista-loving window spans forever revealing magical coastal garden surroundings, luxurious bedding, elegant baths with skylights -- some even providing jet soaking tubs --, tables smartly dressed for two and – surprise! – even tasteful, mini-kitchens thoughtfully equipped to meet basic guest needs.
Onsite guest parking is generous and conveniently available on two levels. The Inn boasts not only its own emergency gas-fired generator housed in its own emplacement but also a recently-installed Rheem 199,000 BTU tankless (gas) hot water heater that provides an endless supply of instantaneous hot water to guests and owners alike. The property is served by more-than-adequate electrical power with metered entry for two panels, one 200 amp, one 400 amp, on 110/220 volts with multiple circuit breakers. The Inn’s eight fireplaces are either wood-burning or gas-fired -- owners’ quarters, guest breakfast room and all guest suites sport fireplaces. The facility also includes laundry and storage rooms as well as a large shop currently being used by the owners for carpentry. The property is served by a municipal water district and has its own septic system that includes a concrete 1,200 gallon tank, a pumping system to an uphill, level out, four-channel leach field with a total drainage area of approximately 212 linear feet.
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OWNERS' QUARTERS
The North Coast Country Inn provides comfortable, spacious and updated Owners' Quarters located directly above the Guest Check-in Office. A delightfully bright stainless steel/granite kitchen sports a vaulted skylight, a handsome stone fireplace graces the living area and the dining room's fabulous French doors reach out to lush and verdant hillside garden surroundings.
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THE PLACE
Rarely does a “place” claim so many serious publications devoted to its uncontested scenic beauty, rich history and fascinating residents. (See below a partial list of Suggested Reading.) The treasured, garden-by-the-sea location of this “California Coast Dream Inn” is, indeed, jewel-like. Its historic town of Gualala (pronounced "wa-la'-la"), its rugged, famously breathtaking, coastal panoramic views and its celebrated, affluent, immediate neighbors, including permanent homeowners at The Sea Ranch, all contribute and testify to this destination's priceless value. Because quality of “destination” dictates ultimate long-term hospitality value, Gualala’s North Coast Country Inn will immediately present itself as a clear opportunity to any aspiring innkeeper in search of a viable, coast business. However, this same, “paradise on earth” property could readily serve new owners as a luxurious vacation compound or magnificent corporate retreat. In other words, this well-established, upscale lodging may easily assume new and equally rewarding roles.
Traditional access to this idyllic stretch of coast is made via the state’s famed and meandering Scenic Highway One, a well-maintained historic road that hugs the length of California’s dramatically rugged coastline but, upon reaching San Francisco, is forced by “the edge of the earth” to take a brief detour inland.
Just north of The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway One re-emerges and resumes its coastal vigilance at Bodega Bay where it forges north across the Russian River, pressing past bluffs of historic Fort Ross, a fabled site that still reflects rich remnants of nineteenth century Russian fur-trapping-post architecture. Then, after winding through rolling sheep and cattle grazing lands – an agricultural area long known for premier dairies and creameries --, appears The Sea Ranch -- a world-renown, architecturally-significant, decidedly-affluent, 4,000 acre, ten-mile long “landscape” development that boasts its own golf course and airport. Celebrated artists, architects, academicians, scientists, writers, poets and other international visionaries reside within this often illusory, eco-conscious community that subtly envelopes Highway One just south of the serene shores of the Gualala and the charming town that carries its same name. "Gualala" is a Pomo Native-American term that means “water coming down place.”
Today’s Gualala, situated where its gentle River meets the glistening Pacific, is now a bustling commercial center that serves the increasing needs of a sophisticated, affluent clientele. The community proudly sports its own, highly respected Gualala Art Center along with numerous other art galleries, a variety of high-end restaurants, food shops and supermarkets, post office, schools, medical clinics, pharmacy, banks, dentists, architects, interior designers, contractors and building supply/hardware stores, well-stocked book stores, its own weekly newspaper, The Independent Coast Observer, a celebrated local winery and proximity to the internationally-acclaimed wine growing region known as The Anderson Valley. The unincorporated village also benefits from an active Chamber of Commerce that sponsors endless cultural events and attractions throughout the year, such as early spring’s “Whale & Jazz Festival.” Tourists and locals alike turn out in force to support these activities.
Although the Mendonoma Coast offers a host of sandy beaches, hiking trails and regional parks, Gualala Point Regional Park is particularly popular with day hikers, picnickers, kayakers and canoers, and the Gualala River is known for its steelhead and prized silver salmon.
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THE COMPETITION
Since all urban development along the Mendonoma coast is controlled by the California Coastal Commission, expansion and/or development are limited to protect coastal environment and ecology. This mirrors the guiding mission set forth by Gualala’s neighbor, The Sea Ranch.
The same Coastal Commission, of course, determines hospitality expansion and, over the past two decades, has permitted only one new Bed & Breakfast – an establishment located much farther north and close to Fort Bragg, another Mendocino community that represents a distinct travel destination more easily accessed by inland Interstate 101/Highway 20 than by the coast’s Scenic Highway One.
Within the village of Gualala, the North Coast Country Inn has little upscale lodging competition.
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SUGGESTED READING
Apton, Bill. Mendonomans: The People, The Land. AZ Press, Mill Valley, California, 2004.
Lyndon, Donlyn and Jim Alinder. The Sea Ranch. Princeton Architectural Press, New York, 2004.
White-Parks, Annette. Qh awala-li “water coming down place:” A History of Gualala, Mendocino County, California. Freshcut Press, Portland, Oregon, 2006.
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SUMMARY
Centered along one of California’s most preferred travel destinations, the majestic Mendonoma Coast, and accessed by the state’s most famed Scenic Highway One, the highly-rated, award-winning North Coast Country Inn presents a rare opportunity to own and operate a handsome, upscale, well-maintained and well-established hospitality business -- indeed, a veritable "Dream Inn" that enjoys scant market competition. Due to its prime, paradise-like location and its six, luxury guest accommodations, this Inn presents a viable and certain business opportunity. Its ideal convenience to a thriving, seaside village, regional wineries, affluent neighbors and San Francisco further underscores its equal value as a "dream" vacation compound or spectacular corporate retreat.
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For further information or to schedule a private tour,
please contact Listing Agent.
Johanna Welty
California Inn Sales Specialist
925.708.4505 / Johanna@apr.com
Visit:
www.CaliforniaCoastDreamInn.com
Listing Agent Post Script
As with all of my inn listings, I took endless photos to accurately portray this Dream Inn. However, in this case, I personally took over 400 photos of both the Inn and its dramatic surroundings, including the incredibly majestic, Mendonoma coastline, the idyllic and serene Gualala River and the twisting, awe-inspiring Scenic Coast Highway that leads all to Gualala and this Inn. Thus, if any prospect wishes to "see" more, he or she need only ask.
Anyone who is fortunate to travel Scenic Highway One will see -- on any given day, including average, mid-week days -- the impressive variety of "others" enjoying California's fabulous coast. Because the sea endures as a relentless magnet to all who wish to become inspired or renewed, throughout the year during any season and on any given day, casual travelers along this treasured coast will witness plein-air painters intently with brush in hand at easels, intrepid cyclists and backpackers rounding curves and climbing grades, families out walking together hand-in-hand, dark winged birds of prey meanacingly diving overhead, rotund cattle -- yes! well-fed, slowly and nonchalantly ambling along Highway One and not even confining themselves to any one lane! --, black leather-bound motorcyclists who always seek out the world's most challenging roadways, everyday people perched atop rugged bluffs, often armed with binoculars, paying homage to spectacular sunsets, colorful balloonists drifting high above gentle sea breezes and silhouettes of strolling dog-lovers with their four-legged friends frolicking along sandy, whitecapped beaches and jagged, often secluded, finger coves.
That many of these enthusiasts are not from abroad or even from other states but, rather, from California -- Californians who clearly comprehend and treasure the priceless value of their own North Coast's natural beauty -- testifies to the enduring and rejuvenating strength of the sea, particularly where it meets the magical and majestic Mendonoma shoreline. And, it is this same sea with its commanding coastline that attracts to California more tourists from around the world than does any one of our country's other 49 states.
Enjoy!
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