Following floods in Northern California’s Russian River Valley, Dawn Ranch has reopened after the completion of renovations and redesign. The riverfront retreat sprawls across 22 acres of land, designed by Bridgeton Studio in collaboration with Brian Smith and Whitney Clark. The reimagined space includes brand-new and expanded accommodations following the acquisition of neighbouring resort Fern Grove, as well as a new on-site spa, saltwater pool and dining concepts from Argentinian restaurateur, Chef Fernando Trocca.
Now comprising 81 keys, the newly-renovated cottages and cabins at Dawn Ranch have been modernised to combine both rustic and contemporary sensibilities. Featuring custom furnishings created in collaboration with Austin-based Oxford Street Company, pieces are layered throughout the space as though collected over time. Utilitarian design elements like hardworking textiles, unlacquered brass and built-in millwork storage accompany soft chambray fabrics, hand-stitched quilts and custom furniture.
Guest bathrooms utilise a serene green colour palette, with hair and body care amenities from Le Labo. The bathrooms are appointed with solid unlacquered brass fixtures, including rain showers from Waterworks intended to patina over time.
Upon arriving at the property, guests will be welcomed by its original 1900s lodge. Restored to its original grandeur, the lodge will be home to lounge and event space, as well as a new restaurant helmed by Chef Juliana Thorpe, The Lodge at Dawn Ranch. Inspired by Chef Fernando Trocca’s South American heritage, the menu – which guests will be able to enjoy in the main dining room, or alfresco on the deck – centres around the notion of “the revolution of simple”. The restaurant’s deck overlooks the Green, the property’s main lawn which features a bandstand for live music, as well as multiple fire pits.
“We provide guests with the ability to refresh their creative toolkits with devices they may not have accessed in some time,” says Atit Jariwala, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgeton. “Through the beauty of our grounds, world class accommodations, spa, dining and experiences that let the guests freely and organically craft their stay, we hope new talents are discovered or new hobbies found.”
The hotel’s spa is nestled behind a Japanese-inspired shade garden, within a classic California-style bungalow that historically served as the owner’s living quarters. Much of the building’s original design has been maintained, including the fully stained pine-panelled living room and red brick wood-burning fireplace. Inspired by European solariums and ancient public baths, the spa’s reception features a parlour room with a coffered skylight ceiling clad in hand-woven grass cloth textile, along with honed Bardiglio and Carrara marble flooring.
Meanwhile, the spa’s steam room is clad with earth-toned Moroccan zellige tile, while its three treatment rooms feature wood-panelled ceilings inspired by the home’s original millwork details. Outside, a large deck hosts four custom handmade Japanese Ofuro soaking tubs made from redwood, a mahogany infrared sauna with a glass ceiling, and thermostatic outdoor showers.
Finally, The Orchard, home to 120-year-old fruiting trees that were once the centre of Dawn Ranch’s campsites, will be the site of the hotel’s new glamping concept, with six tents reminiscent of vintage Californian canvas tents.
