Make Your Escape to an Elegant Wine Country Getaway

California designer restores the magic to this picturesque wine country hotel with forward-looking design updates while still celebrating its nearly 150-year history.

Written by:Paul Hagen
Photographed by:Matthew Millman

Originally a private Victorian home, the Madrona Hotel has been a part of its Sonoma County community since 1881. The property was converted to an inn in 1980 and became a place where designer Jay Jeffers celebrated family occasions growing up. In 2020, Jeffers took ownership and evolved its design so guests could rediscover it. “I can’t tell you the number of people that said to me: thank you for bringing this back to life,” he says.

Though Jeffers knew an overhaul was required, he was mindful of preserving the property’s historic relevance. “We cataloged about 750 pieces,” he says. And they were able to reuse approximately 250—including 30 that date back to the original owners. “So, there is the life and history of the place,” says Jeffers. “And then I’ve added my own modern touches to it to make it feel new and fresh.”

“I love a space that feels eclectic and collected over time,” says designer Jay Jeffers, noting the parlor’s art.

This bath with Cambria’s Huntley™ design in a matte finish accents black and white with both gold and copper.

For more décor, Jeffers turned to his friend Lisa Chadwick of Dolby Chadwick Gallery. “She and I have collaborated for 25 years,” he says. “She did an art program for us in the hotel, all of which are available to be purchased by our guests.”

As for the 24 guest rooms, Jeffers says, “I really wanted to create some unity.” He hoped the spaces would radiate a calmness—equally appropriate for getting some work done or sleeping late. And he insisted on carrying luxury elements into the bathrooms—using Cambria on the vanities and heating the floors. “I hate walking on a cold tile, even if it’s the middle of summer,” says Jeffers.

Jeffers wanted each guest room “to be a place where you can rejuvenate, relax, and feel great.”

When selecting surfaces for the guest baths, Jeffers liked the movement of Cambria’s Marwell™ in a matte finish.

Throughout the renovation process, Jeffers and his team kept returning to the idea of inviting guests to get lost in its magic. He says one of his favorite pastimes has become wandering the property, imagining in which picturesque corner he will someday host his own wedding at The Madrona. There are so many enchanting places to explore inside and out at this captivating California getaway.

Watch Our Cambria Style Interior Design Virtual Event

See and hear more about this project from our virtual design event. Top designers Jay Jeffers, Brenda Thompson, and Claire Staszak also give insider tips on luxury design and share design challenges they've overcome.

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