Sea Ranch: A Great Escape on the Northern California Coastline

There is a place, a magic place along the Northern California coastline called Sea Ranch. Designed by award winning architect William Turnbull, this huge community is a paen to architectural sensitivity to the natural beauty of our spectacular coastal region.It encompasses 5200 hundred acres of unspoilt and rustic charm. Each home is clad in unpainted and weathered siding so as not to interrupt the landscape. The original settlers, the Pomo indians had a saying that espouses the philosophy of the Sea Ranch builders, “Live lightly on the land”

“In May, 1991, Charles Moore was presented the Gold Medal Award of the American Institute of Architects, architecture’s highest honor. This was in recognition of decades of an unfailing pursuit of design excellence, education, and professionalism. At the same time, The Sea Ranch Condominium I Unit was awarded the AIA’s Twenty-Five Year Award. This award is given each year to a building project, completed 25 to 35 years ago, which exemplifies a design of enduring significance that has withstood the test of time. Other buildings so honored include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building, both in New York City, and Eero Saarinen’s Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The 1991 Honor Awards Jury noted that Sea Ranch is “profoundly conscious of the natural drama of its coastal site” and has “formed an alliance of architecture and nature that has inspired and captivated a generation of architects.”

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a beach home, but couldn’t afford the price, Sea Ranch provides you with a wonderful opportunity, year round to escape from the day to day pressures of modern life, without the burden of ownership. How? Depending on what you’re looking for, the Ranch offers a variety of homes for rent, which includes full use of all the facilities on the property. These include 10 miles of hiking trails, two championship swimming pools, a world class golf course, a membership center, hotel, riding stables and more.

Each home or cabin comes completely equipped with a fireplace, deck or porch, and can accomadate anything from 1 to up to 8 people, depending on the site selected. Guests can chosse for ocean view or mountain/forest locations. All of them are beautiful. If possible, select the less pricey mountain or forest homes. Though less dramatic, they have a natural tranquility and charm all their own. Linens and maid service are available upon request. An economical way to enjoy a week or two at Sea Ranch, is to get a group of friends together, and split the costs of the selected home between you. Then, pack some clothing, groceries and head on out for a long leisurely stay in what has to be one of the most gorgeous spots in California. This is a laid back and very unpretentious place where shorts and tee’s are the norm, no formal wear required.

There is a Wedding Chapel on site which can be booked along with a honeymoon cabin. Since this is an extremely popular place for weddings, be sure to book as far in advance as possible. Also on site is a hotel for those only wanting a short stay, with all the amenities expected of a first class resort.

Here is a description of the Sea Ranch Lodge: “Ocean view Guest Rooms are in natural harmony with the landscape and exterior surroundings.

Culinary excellence featuring California cuisine abounds at the Restaurant in the Lodge and is repeatedly cited by national press for its innovative approach.

Sea Ranch Lodge is a peaceful getaway for your personal vacation plans. In addition, its facility can accommodate groups up to 150 people. An idyllic location for exchanging wedding vows, or conducting a corporate meeting or retreat, the multi-function space allows you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Add imaginative, personalized service to this and see for yourself why Sea Ranch Lodge is a spectacular respite where land and sea meet on the spectacular Sonoma coast.

At nearby Gualala you can enjoy river kayaking on the Gualala River. Gualala also has an local airport where you can land your private plane.

Sea Ranch Lodge offers Dog Friendly Lodging on the Sonoma Mendocino California coast with access to miles of walking trails and beach access with your dog. Sea Ranch Lodge offers one of the few pet friendly resorts on the Sonoma coast.

Awards and Recognition

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2005
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2004
In-Style Magazine – Wedding Edition, June 2004
Chicago Times “Best Lodging”
Lifetime channel – Destination Weddings
AAA – 3 Diamond Rating
KPIX Evening Magazine – On Location for May 7, 2004 show
Zagat Survey Rated Restaurant – Very good to Excellent 2004
Sunset Magazine – Feature in Wedding Edition 2004
San Francisco Chronicle – Camp Mushroom Story November 21, 2003
Coastal Living – Feature September 2003
KPIX – Evening Magazine Wedding Week 2002
Bon Apetit “Ultimate destination” 1998
Sonoma Business “Best romantic getaway” 1998
Best places to Kiss “Most romantic spot” 1997
San Diego Union “Best spot for a honeymoon” 1996

If you are frustrated by the high price of gas, and a vacation destination seems impossible this year, give Sea Ranch a try. It just might become your own personal great good place, where family and friends can get together, year after year, to meet, relax and revel in the beauty of forests and ocean views. They offer specials throughout the year so check the links I’ve provided to discover not only the beauty of the place, but which option is best for you and your family. Our favorite time at Sea Ranch is in late Fall and early Spring, when the area is quieter, the whales are migrating, and the weather that can be capricious on our coast is at its best.