‘New’ Boutique Hotel Poised To Open In Sonoma Wine Country

A new luxury, boutique hotel, The Madrona, is scheduled to open in Healdsburg (Sonoma County), California this April—just as the magnificent mustard fields in the nearby vineyards begin to bloom. The reinvention of this historic property has been deemed to be so significant that it has heralded a change of name as well.

The Madrona backstory: From private residence to inn to luxury hotel

In 1880, wealthy businessman John Alexander Paxton built the original three-story, gabled mansion as a weekend getaway from his home and work in San Francisco. The Victorian structure, now listed on The National Register of Historic Places, changed hands several times over the years and was eventually repurposed as Madrona Manor, a popular bed and breakfast.

Known especially for its destination fine dining restaurant, the romantic inn attracted a wide following of local food and wine enthusiasts as well as visitors from the Bay area and the Silicon Valley. The talented chef at its helm, Jesse Mallgren (who was raised in Sonoma), garnered 13 consecutive Michelin stars, making dinner reservations hard to snag.

At the height of the pandemic in March 2020, like many independent hotels and dining venues, Madrona Manor and its restaurant shut down and have remained closed. In February 2021, interior designer Jay Jeffers and a group of investors purchased the 8-acre property for a reported $8.6 million with a vision of building upon its storied past and stewarding its future.

Reinventing the hotel

Although Jeffers and his 15-person team based in San Francisco are widely respected in interior design circles and Jeffers has received numerous accolades (including being named to Elle Decor’s A-List), this will be his first foray into hotels.

“When designing the hotel, it was important for me to respect its historic architecture and 19th-century roots while reimagining the property to be more modern and exciting for today’s travelers,” said Jeffers, co-owner and designer of The Madrona.i

The hotel includes a collection of 24 one-of-a-kind accommodations—hotel rooms and bungalows—spread over six buildings, most of which are original to the estate. Guest rooms in The Mansion (the main building) sit on the floors above the original Paxton family living quarters—which now houses The Madrona’s signature restaurant and lounges.

Some guest rooms in The Mansion offer original fireplaces, bay windows, and large balconies overlooking the rolling hills of Dry Creek Valley AVA. Several studio suites in the original Carriage House have private lobby entrances that pay homage to their equestrian history. The more secluded Bungalows are original, stand-alone buildings (either individual or with connecting suites) that are tucked amongst the trees for the utmost privacy.

Of course, the bespoke artistry of Jeffers’ eclectic decor and design has raised the bar of this Grand Dame estate, bringing new visual appeal and vitality. This includes bold animal motifs captured in fabrics and art and stylish, ebonized and heavily-carved mahogany furnishings.

Throughout the property, custom wallpapers, artwork, and original photography blend with antiques, vintage art, and even some relics of the original owner and his own travels.

Chef Jesse Mallgren revamps all-day dining

Of course, the all-day restaurant at The Madronal takes center stage again. Chef Jesse Mallgren has revamped his New American menus to include some riffs on old classics. His dishes have always been seasonal, with ingredients sourced from nearby farmers and growers and from the property’s own organic garden.

Many of the entrees have an innovative, international twist, such as the Chicken Paillard infused with Southeast Asian flavors; Steak Tartare with goma dare (sesame), quail egg, and fresh wasabi; and Local Anchovies cured with Marona lemons, featuring fennel pollen from the onsite garden, andVero olive oil from a Da farm.

In the past, diners have praised the beauty of the dining venues at The Madrona, which have all been enhanced during this total facelift. In addition to the indoor dining room in The Mansion, guests can dine outdoors on the covered Palm Terrace that overlooks the gardens, enjoy a pre-or post-dinner drink at the Front Parlor or Hannah’s Bar, or nibble on snacks and drinks on the inviting wrap-around front porch.

Bespoke setting and service

Prior guests raved about the beauty of this serene, eight-acre Healdsburg property that is covered with lush greenery and citrus trees with scenic views at every turn. The hotel has a small gym and offers a heated, outdoor lounge pool surrounded by daybeds, other seating, and firepits.

The Madrona is centrally located about one mile from downtown Healdsburg with its interesting mix of restaurants, bars, and shops; the distance from the hotel to nearby wineries offering tastings is walkable. Guests can hop on an electric bike to explore the area on their own or take advantage of complimentary car service within a five-mile radius.

• The Madrona is managed by Mosaic Hotel Group, a collection of individually branded boutique, award-winning hotels under the umbrella of Palisades Hospitality Group. To learn more about The Madrona and its amenities, visit the new website or email the hotel concierge at concierge@themadronahotel.com. Reservations are now being accepted for the April 8th, 2022 opening and beyond.
• For more information about visiting Sonoma Wine Country, check out the official Sonoma County website.