The Madrona, a newly reopened boutique hotel, is a maximalist haven nestled in California’s Sonoma County.

This summer, as I drove beneath an elegant archway and along a gently winding road towards the Madrona, I quickly sensed that this reimagined estate is distinct from the more expansive modern retreats found in Northern California’s wine country. The Madrona features a collection of delightful historic buildings spread across eight acres of gardens in Healdsburg, having recently undergone a thorough renovation that blends designer Jay Jeffers’s contemporary style with the enduring charm of the original architecture.

On a brief getaway just an hour and a half from my East Bay home, I joined two close friends visiting from Southern California, all excited to explore the revamped 24-room boutique hotel. Conceptualized by San Francisco's Jeffers, the Madrona reopened in April 2022, showcasing rooms and communal areas that honor the hotel's rich history dating back to the 1800s while embracing a modern, eclectic vision for the 21st century.

Originally built as a private residence in 1881, the Madrona still showcases many furnishings and artworks collected by its original owners during their travels—boasting over 200 antiques and 30 art pieces. Jeffers has also sourced an array of contemporary artworks from the San Francisco-based Dolby Chadwick Gallery, alongside distinctive design elements for the hotel, including ornate chandeliers and a watercolor piece transformed into a carpet and wallpaper by Detroit artist Kelly Ventura.

“In designing the hotel, it was crucial for me to honor its historic architecture and 19th-century origins while reimagining the space to be more modern and appealing for today’s guests,” explained Jeffers, who is also a co-owner of the property. During my visit, Jeffers was present, managing the delivery of eagerly awaited armoires for the guest rooms that had faced shipping delays. His enthusiasm for every aspect of the property was clear as he expressed joy over the arrival of the new furnishings.

Before the renovation, the Madrona operated as an inn called the Madrona Manor. However, in the spring of 2020, amidst the pandemic, Jeffers and several partners seized the opportunity to purchase and reimagine the property. Despite numerous challenges and delays during the pandemic, the outcome—a stunning visual experience—has been well worth the wait.

Now, the property has been reimagined into a stylish boutique hotel and social hub, rich in layered, maximalist design. It features a serene resort-style pool area, a fitness center, and a bar and restaurant serving haute American cuisine, welcoming both guests and visitors alike.

Guests choosing to stay overnight will find a variety of accommodations, including rooms in the main mansion, providing easy access to the restaurant and bar below. There are also private bungalows with separate entrances, offering extra space and tranquility, some of which can be connected to create two-bedroom suites. My friends and I stayed in one of the bungalows across from the restaurant, enjoying the quiet atmosphere for restful sleep—I even found the sofa bed so comfortable that I could hardly believe it was a pullout.

Every guest room has its own distinct atmosphere and layout—some offer balconies, porches, bay windows, and fireplaces—ensuring no two are the same. Jeffers included at least one original furnishing or design element in each room, complementing it with his curated selection of furniture and extremely comfortable bedding. The result is a purposeful minimalism that still highlights vintage details, preserving the property's unique character.

The original mansion, home to the restaurant and Hannah’s Bar, is the ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee or evening cocktail, whether you prefer soaking up the sun on the porch or sinking into a cozy couch in the parlor.

At the restaurant, chef Jesse Mallgren offers seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus—having previously earned the former restaurant in this space a Michelin star for 13 consecutive years—served in the dining room and on the outdoor Palm Terrace, a covered patio with views of the gardens. Breakfast features healthy options like yogurt and granola, porridge with roasted bananas, and poached eggs with spinach, alongside a tempting daily waffle that became my favorite. The lunch and dinner menus present comfort foods with a twist, like chicken paillard infused with Southeast Asian spices or steak tartare topped with a quail egg and wasabi; we loved the hamachi crudo so much we ordered it twice. You can also enjoy small bites at the bar, such as oysters on the half shell or deviled eggs, paired with a glass of wine, beer, or a custom Madrona cocktail (how about an Estate Martini or Guava Sour?) in a speakeasy-style atmosphere.

When we weren't indulging in meals or drinks, we lounged on the chaise lounges by the heated pool. I also took time to wander the lush grounds and check out the working produce garden. One day for lunch, we borrowed the on-site Van Moof electric bikes for a scenic ride around Healdsburg and through the neighboring rolling hills of wine country—one of my favorite ways to experience the area. If biking isn’t your preference, there's complimentary car service for guests within a five-mile radius, along with an on-site concierge to help arrange activities, like a private wine tasting or dinner in the redwoods. The Madrona also accommodates gatherings ranging from intimate dinner parties for 10 to full property buyouts for larger events, including weddings of up to 150 guests. It’s truly a delightful setting for gathering with friends and family. Personally, I can’t wait to return for a peaceful getaway with my husband (without the kids—though the Madrona welcomes guests of all ages, the tranquility of the property feels more suited to adult visitors).