All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
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The Stanford Inn by the Sea Mendocino, California
11/97 Update: On our annual Thanksgiving visit to the Stanford
Inn this year we were delighted to discover that Joan and Jeff have added yet another in
their continuing parade of new amenities, one they've been dreaming about for several
In that same vein, during our yearly Thanksgiving
journey in 1995, the Stanfords were
At the end of a day spent pursuing these
diverse activities, there is sheer pleasure
Copyright © 1996 -
2008: Jan Hight
Published -- January 1, 1996 |
years...there is now an onsite restaurant, The Ravens! This lovely dining room is located at the
back of the reception area, facing the dramatic view of ocean and village. Breakfast is now provided by table
service (rather than the previous buffet set-up with items that could be taken to back to
the rooms). The menu selections were all delicious, but our favorite was the very
tasty Huevos Rancheros. Breakfast is part of the room package; however, tips for the
waitpersons and charges for specialty coffee drinks are not included in the guest
rate. The restaurant is also open to the public, and there could be a short wait for
a table around mid-morning. The champagne which accompanied the former, guest-only
breakfast buffet has been lost in the changeover, but progress always leaves a bit of
nostalgia for the 
past!! Dinner is also served in the dining room (Fri., Sat. and
Sun. evenings at the time of our visit). This meal obviously isn't included in the
room rate, but it's fun to dine "at home" in the Inn. As with breakfast,
menu items are meatless and make extensive use of the organic gardens which flourish at
the Inn. Now, I'm not a vegetarian, but
I thoroughly enjoyed the delectable food and the artful presentation! One other new
feature has been added at the Inn during 1997: a work-out room is now open in the lower
level of the reception building and contains exercise machines for guests' usage.
Returning each year to The
Stanford Inn by the Sea/Big River Lodge in Mendocino is like revisiting an old and dear
friend; one who just keeps improving with age. We first discovered this marvelous getaway
in 1983, when it was still known only as Big River Lodge. Joan and Jeff Stanford had
purchased the Lodge in 1980 (when it was approximately 12 years old); and they were just
beginning their long roster of enhancements and additions, which continue to this day. On
that first visit we found a rather bucolic inn situated on a majestic bluff, with an
incredible view of the Pacific and Mendocino as its major attraction. As each year brought
us back, the improvements and embellishments that greeted us were indicative of the
creativity Joan and Jeff used to convert the property into their own exceptional "Inn
by the Sea". They began by transforming the rather nondescript rooms into warm and
cozy cocoons into which their guests can snuggle while enjoying the breathtaking view
beyond the deck. Soft and billowy down comforters, antique furnishings, comfy sitting
areas, fireplaces or wood stoves, plus rare extras such as VCRs, CD players and small
refrigerators in each room all combine
to produce an appealing and inviting setting. Add
to these amenities the local wine that is waiting in your room upon your arrival and the
breakfasts and evening guest receptions (more on those
later), and the total experience becomes one of rustic elegance and uncommon grace.
After transfiguring the rooms into
irresistible retreats, the Stanfords began work on the rest of the spacious grounds.
Flowers in profusion, organic gardens, and a bevy of sweet-faced llamas lend their varied
facets to the character of the Inn. A large greenhouse was built, which encloses a pool,
spa and sauna. As Jeff said, the changes and improvements have never stopped...as perfect
as the Inn seems to us each time we return, by our next trip they've somehow managed to
make it even better!
continuing their strategy of constant improvement by
beginning construction on two new buildings...one to include 2-bedroom suites and the
other which would house a larger reception area and office. On our 1996 Thanksgiving
return we found both buildings completed and gorgeous, and they fit into the surroundings
as if they'd always been part of the Inn! The suites are a lovely adaptation of the
original building's rooms, with the same look and feel in an updated style. Each set of
rooms is arranged off of a shared entry with two separate entrances and private baths, so
the units may be reserved as a 2-bedroom flat or booked separately as 1-bedroom
accommodations. It's a very clever design, and it works beautifully. The new
reception/office building is a striking addition to the property. Much to our
pleasure the
reception area is bright, spacious and airy but retains the identical welcoming ambience
of the tiny original parlor, with the same delightful
decorating touches full of whimsy and personality. A two-sided fireplace warms both
sections of the room, one of which offers comfortable overstuffed sofas and chairs and a
large, sunlit conversation area. The other side contains much of the familiar (and
beloved) furniture and accents we 
enjoyed for so many years.....and yes, Decker's old
loveseat was firmly planted in front of the fire, and Decker was firmly implanted upon it!
The view from the wall of expansive windows adds to the charm of the reception and office
quarters. Joan and Jeff have done an absolutely amazing job of designing additions that
modernize the facilities while gracefully maintaining the spirit and tradition of the
original buildings!
As already mentioned, breakfast
is included in the room rate and is served in the restaurant. In the evenings
guests gather around both sides of the fireplace in the reception area...often
finding dip with organic veggies (from the Inn's gardens). This is a time to
discuss the day's events and gather ideas and
suggestions for tomorrow's ventures. Notes are compared on restaurants in
the area and recommendations are offered on which video to rent from the Inn's wide
selection. There are usually reminiscences of past sojourns to the Inn by the many repeat
visitors as everyone relaxes a bit before heading off to dinner. Mingling with the guests
are the resident cats who graciously allow these wandering humans to share a bit of their
domain. Houston spreads his goodwill throughout the room, as a
good host should! Occasionally a kitty can be coaxed into visiting the rooms; Miss Callie
loves to settle in with us when it's raining and blustery outside! UPDATE:
Gracie was a purring new addition to the feline family in 2001, and she
proceeded to grace the Inn with Thanksgiving day kittens - such opportune timing
since we were there for our annual visit and were able to meet the newborn
cuties! It's obvious that Joan
and Jeff love animals, so it isn't surprising that they allow guests to bring their pets
and give these furry friends special attention when they arrive.
For those who prefer
something more athletic than lounging on the deck gazing at the stunning panorama of land
and sea (and perhaps spotting a passing whale), the Inn has "Catch a Canoe"
where canoes can be rented and taken on the adjacent Big River; there are also bicycles
available for guests' use. For others whose favorite form of exercise is shopping (that
would be me), Mendocino has much to offer. A stroll down the streets of this quaint
village reveals many small and distinctive shops, some tucked away in picturesque
courtyards and surprising nooks (including the old water towers that recall the town's
beginnings and help provide its unique character). It's definitely well worth the time to
explore the narrow lanes and alleys and discover all of the charming Victorian buildings,
many of which now house graceful B&Bs and excellent restaurants. It becomes quite
apparent why Mendocino has been used in many 
movies and TV shows;
both for its striking scenery and spectacular seascape, as well as for its remarkable
resemblance to an old New England fishing village (with the benefit of California weather
for filming purposes).
As mentioned, there are several wonderful restaurants in
Mendocino itself or just a short drive away. A few of our favorites are the Albion River
Inn (enjoying the sunset from a window overlooking the ocean is a treat that won't soon be
forgotten); The Ledford House (once located in a tiny former schoolhouse, it's now on the
other side of the river from the Albion River Inn and offers the same extraordinary view);
Cafe Beaujolais (confirmed reservations are a must for this very
popular spot); 955 Ukiah St.
(with a winding garden path leading to its secluded location and interiors that belie the
rather ordinary-sounding name); The MacCallum House (which is located in a grand old
Victorian that is now a B&B); the lovely Moosse Cafe (as I remember it was once called
The Chocolate Mousse, so I believe they've combined mousse and moose for the unusual
spelling of the name); and the dining room at The Heritage House (remember the gorgeous
location for the film oldie "Same Time Next Year" with Alan Alda and Ellen
Burstyn?). There are many other fine restaurants in addition to these, and the staff at
The Stanford Inn will gladly assist you with suggestions and reservations. 
Mendocino's seafaring and logging past has given way to the newest wave of inhabitants,
the artisans and craftspeople who have found their inspiration in the area's captivating
vistas. Because of this there are many shows and exhibitions scheduled throughout the
year, in addition to the exhibits in the permanent galleries. Several local publications
provide information on Mendocino's thriving art scene and the various productions and
presentations. There are also numerous wineries in Mendocino county, most with
tasting rooms and a more relaxed and accommodating feeling than is exhibited by some of
those in the larger wine regions. You can pick up listings at the Inn or at various
locations in Mendocino then enjoy the drive through the glorious countryside as you make
your way to your selected destinations.
in returning to the enticing comfort of your
room at the Inn and watching as the fog seeps in from the coast and the shimmering lights
of Mendocino glow in the darkness. Call Joan and Jeff and the genial and capable staff of
The Stanford Inn by the Sea at 800-331-8884 or visit their website at
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