Howard Creek Ranch Inn, Westport

HCRI is like a romantic, ruined estate being restored to become a magically creative, artistic place. The natural surroundings, and the property itself, are so vast that you don't mind, or even notice, other people, the occasional piano playing in the common room above you, the parts of the carriage house that are undergoing construction, etc. My husband and I like the Walden Room (have been there five times now). It is enormous, with its own kitchen, relaxing area, open shower in a wonderfully tiled bathroom. Also, a kitchen table, a coffee table and a huge table for using computer, etc. The centerpiece of the room is a queen-sized bed around whose four posts Sunny has exquisitely hand- tiled his unique design on the floor. Everywhere you can see the beautiful wood paneling and interesting design that Sunny has brought to the place. He is a talented artist with a huge vision! We can sit on our tiled patio and relax, right next to as yet unfinished rooms whose outside walls are covered with Tyvek, and still admire the beauty of the place. Really, the "on-going" or "in progress" aspect of the place does not at all get in the way of the beauty and -- believe it or not -- the privacy -- of it all. You go to breakfast by crossing a wonderful swinging bridge that traverses the creek. And breakfast is a varied and generous meal indeed: an egg dish, some type of sausage, biscuits, poached pears, and fresh fruit, pancakes, etc. And the most wonderful and interesting company! Great stories, and somehow one always feels a personal connection with the guests, and with Sally, Sunny, and their staff. Up the hill is Sunny's "spa", a combination of bathing pools and cabins, again a vision becoming a serious reality. Within five minutes' walking distance is the beach, and there are trails going up into the hills to walk as well. A part we enjoy is toward evening, when the sheep clatter over the wooden wagon-bridge and come down into our yard, right up to our patio to munch the green grass. (We keep our dog inside for this part!) You enjoy the feeling of being in the raw country, while being comfortably taken care of, and connecting with the natural world and with unpretentious, interesting people.

My wife and I have visited this quiet, beautiful and restful B&B several times over the last few years. We've mostly stayed in the Walden Room with our good dog Eliza. The room's architecture is unique and we love staying there. Sonny and Sally are wonderful hosts. Sonny has much to say about the state of the world and makes for fascinating conversation. The bountiful breakfasts are delicious and the guests are interesting and fun to interact with. The animals and gardens at the Ranch are great to explore. The trails are fairly easy and have great views. If you are looking for a charming quiet place off the beaten track, you can't do much better than the HCRI.

The Howard Creek Ranch Inn is a fabulous work in progress. It is unique in every way. Antiques collectables and interesting old stuff abound. The architecture is due to the creativity of Sonny. The woodwork and stained glass is very impressive. There are beautiful and wild gardens. A swinging bridge connects the farmhouse with the carriage house. (Fun!) The inn has an old eucalyptus smell that is part of the overall character of the place. It is an easy stroll to the beach, and they even provide rubber boots if you want to take the short-cut across the creek. There are large common areas, with musical instruments, games a Jacuzzi and many wonderful old and interesting things to see. Expect to find some sort of construction going on when you arrive, as this is, and I suspect always will be, a work in progress. Breakfast was a great presentation in the antique dinning room, delicious and fun. A great big fire was welcoming in the fireplace. It was great sitting around with other guests from all over the world, and the food was delicious. Most rooms do not have TV’s. There is a phone at the farm house if you need one. Every room is unique and different from all the others. We traded tours with other guests to see what their rooms were like. My partner and I loved the place and will most certainly find an opportunity to return.

There are few B&B which remain on the Pacific where one can truly find peace and tranquility. Howard Creek Ranch enables one to center their soul and reconnect in the direction of choice. The ranch is a world unto itself filled with priceless antiques and history all of which surrounded by a utopian Garden of Eden. The adult only atmosphere enables a more mature setting to transpire for couples, especially in a world filled with children whom are less behaved than a canine companion. Each day your soul will be filled with the life surrounding you and your stomach will never hunger from the ample gourmet breakfast

My husband and I have been here before and loved it. However, when I called today to make reservations that included our extremely well-behaved and socialized 4-year-old, I was treated rudely, and made aware in no uncertain terms that children are not welcome. If this is indeed an adults-only B&B, it should clearly say so on their website; it does not, nor is it indicated anywhere on the property. If she wants to keep children out that's her perogative, but she doesn't need to be so rude about it. We will not go back.