11/03/2011

Retreat to Relax and Re-Create at Kenwood Ranch 


A couple of weeks ago, before Johan returned to Europe, we managed to carve out a few days to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Our friends Sarah and Darius Anderson, who host The French Flea Market at Chateau Sonoma each spring, also have a wonderful vacation rental in Kenwood near Sonoma, 
and we were able to book a weekend there. 


We were aiming to relax and enjoy the wine country, but also to combine this retreat with some strategic planning  so we can bring you, our customers, better goods and services and find more ways to enjoy doing it. 

       "Find a job you love, 
and you will never work another day in your life."



This place is amazing and definitely the right place to clear your mind and come up with fresh ideas. The serenity of the countryside is so conducive to meditation but there are plenty of other things should you choose to socialize. There are plenty of wineries, restaurants, spas. We did venture out a bit and enjoyed some of the local cuisine, but we were also treated to Martin's exquisite meals. The food, the clean air, the spirit of the land and the spirits from its vineyards got our creative juices flowing and we ended up not just having a wonderful time, but also came back with new ideas and ready to take next steps. 


Speaking of steps, this vacation rental is surrounded by 75 private acres and we did take advantage of the morning to go on a hike and admire the beauty of the vineyards and get some fresh air into our lungs. As we walked, we were startled by a sudden flutter and odd noises and were able to see a flock of wild turkeys running into the woods. As you walk along the small road going uphill, you encounter statues and other beautiful artwork. There is a beautiful, 9 ft. majestic rooster in pique assiette style, a beautiful bell that conjures up images of Provence, and a few other items that will make you smile. As you get to the top of the hill you can see surrounding vineyards and hills and on a good day, glimpses of the San Francisco Bay. 
You will also find at the top of the hill, a small platform where Darius and Sarah celebrated their wedding. This is such an idyllic place for that! I see a ring, I hear wedding bells...catered by Ramekins...   here


Photos above by Kenwood Ranch

I could write more on the description of this lovely place but I want you to go over to their page and read all the details. One warning for Francophiles, bring your smelling salts for you WILL ooh and aah, gasp, 
and eventually swoon. 


The home is exquisitely decorated by Chateau Sonoma and you will roam through 
each room mesmerized by the beauty of the treasures. 



You have been warned but there is good news, and that is that you can go visit Sarah at Chateau Sonoma and select items to make your own home your personal French get away.  
Here is a link to the vacation rental Kenwood Ranch and here is a link to the store Chateau Sonoma

Photo above by Kenwood Ranch

Thank you Sarah and Darius for sharing your beautiful space with us and for the friendship! Un abrazo!

Trinidad, Johan, and Martin


23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Trinidad, Johan and Martin,

I was already oohing, aahing, and gasping and I haven't gotten off this page!!. Absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks for the heads-up, I'll go and visit now that I have recovered some! LOL

Kris

Acquired Objects said...

The husband just walked by and snapped my mouth shut for me....WOW! Kenwood Ranch is amazing! I'd love to shop at Chateau but you have some angels I want and hopefully they will be on sale.......

I hope you guys are well rested because you sent SALE emails to all of us!

Be well!
Debra

Low Tide High Style said...

What a beautiful place to get a little R & R! I'm off to visit both websites...and do a little dreaming!

Kat :)

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I'm swooning! What a beautiful place to clear your mind. Love the architecture, and the interiors. Next time, take me. lol

Ivy and Elephants said...

such gorgeous pieces and decor! The setting is idyllic.
Hugs'
Patti

Jo Farmer said...

So very beautiful and elegant... thanks for sharing

Jo xx
Eliza Interiors & Design

prairie child said...

This is a beautiful place...perfect for such a beautiful soul(s)....Thanks for taking the time to share it with all your friends....PC

lvroftiques said...

Oh my! What a lovely place to stay! Are you all refreshed and chipper Trinidad? *winks* Thanks for the warning about the smelling salts....I think I'm going to need them lol! Vanna

Maureen@CheekyinBlue said...

Oh my, swoon worthy most certainly! The views are unbelievable. My husband and I had the opportunity to spend some time in the Sonoma area a year ago for our 20th anniversary, and this might be a great place to go back to!!

Divine Theatre said...

I can see why you loved it so much. Can you imagine living in a place like that?
Thanks for sharing with us!

Andie

Anonymous said...

On one of the pictures you can read the word "fagylalt" this is a mobile ice creeam satnd the word is hungarian and means icecream.
Its nice to meat and object so far away from the native country
regards Dorka from Hungary

Atelier de Campagne said...

Dorka, how nice that you saw an object from back home. I wondered if it was a brand or if it meant ice cream. I have fond memories of ambulatory ice cream vendor carts in my village as well.

Some of you might click on the link to Ramekins. I didn't talk much about Ramekins, but it is a culinary school owned also by the Andersons. You can take a cooking class there, but they also have lodging and host and cater weddings there.

Thank you all for your visit. It really is a magnificent place. I am not into fancy cars, jewelry, or expensive brand name clothes, but I do enjoy taking some time away from home and relaxing in a beautiful place.

Martha at Authentica said...

What a beautiful place for inspiration and relaxation! Certainly a well-deserved rest! Gorgeous surroundings inside and out!
Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos!

Anonymous said...

I visited the website of the Ramekinsfinding it fabulous however I cannot visit them personally since i live in and manage a country retreat myself in Hungary dorottyaudvar.co.hu

Anonymous said...

gorgeous place and I think it would be hard to stay there without coming away with a few of their lovely items for your home...good that you found some time to relax and regroup..
best,
maureen

Gracefully Vintage said...

Just Beautiful...
and Cant wait to see your booth this weekend (alameda).
Karryann
Looking for Vintage-Christmas..

Katalin said...

FAGYLALT

az a fagylaltos kocsi az magyar!!:))jaj de örülök, :)*

Veronica said...

Phew, I needed the smelling salts here already... Glad you had a good time and it looks de lovely! Heading over to the link ~ glass of wine in hand ~ in lieu of th smelling salts you understand?

Veronica

Claudia Fabiana said...

I just found your lovely blog and am now following....stop by for a visit too...

ciao

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Oh what a stunning place to relax for a weekend! I have been to Chateau but have not had the good fortune to stay at Kenwood Ranch. It looks absolutely divine.
I have missed you guys! I was hoping to get up to the last sale but my schedule did not allow it this time. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

D&G ESSEX said...

i love the clock!!! oh i have a thing for clocks..~Grace

Erik Montagna said...

What a beautiful place for inspiration and relaxation! Certainly a well-deserved rest! Gorgeous surroundings inside and out! Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos!

Jimbhei Turner said...

the place is surely for relaxing! nice ambience indeed..

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