Fensalden Inn, Albion

We stumbled on this outstanding B&B by pure accident and we still cannot believe the luck we had in finding this jewel. From the very minute we spoke with owner Lyn to make the inital reservations, we knew this Inn was like no other. And things got even better...approximately one month before our departure, we decided to get married while in California. For a middle age (though newly formed) couple living in snowy cold eastern Canada, the thought of getting married in California was titillating and out of the ordinary. We decided that the Mendocino coast would be the place for us. Since we had never visited California and had had such a good feeling from our initial discussion with Lyn, we asked if we could hold our 2 people wedding at the Inn. It turns out that Lyn and her team provided us with more than just a great location; they went all out and provided us with impeccable wedding referral services and helped us find everything and everyone necessary to make our wedding happen. Lyn even willingly agreed to act as a witness to the ceremony although, as she warned us, she "always cries" at weddings. Lyn provided for our every need, from finding a minister, photographer, florist, hairdresser, to making arrangments for having the piano tuned, making reservations for our wedding dinner, suggesting the best "wedding tarts" ever baked and even providing a backdrop of dozens of hummingbirds for the ceremony (the number of hummingbirds feeding at Fensalden is mind boggling). One does not need, however, to get married at Fensalden Inn to get to experience the outstanding hospitality and warmth of its hosts and the beautiful and impeccably kept grounds (the hummingbirds and family dog, ducks and goats are a bonus). When one arrives at the Inn, one accesses the main house through a quaint gate which opens onto a beautiful and well kept front garden, with a flagstone path leading to a welcoming porch and house foyer. Lyn and Bob share their entire house with their guests, which makes for a true family atmosphere. The care and attention given to the decor and comforts of the guests are quite noticeable and we truly appreciated the entire experience. We had come to the Mendocino coast after a week in San Francisco, where we had often (in fact, too often) been disappointed in the quality of the meals we ate. Lyn provided us with the proof that California cuisine is something special after all. The appetizers served in the late afternoon were excellent and the breakfasts in the morning were even better. We never stopped for lunch during our entire stay which we chose to extend, by the way. All and all, the accommodations and atmosphere of the Inn are nothing short of fantastic and more gracious, accommodating and friendly hosts would be hard to find (at least in this mortal world). If we ever get the opportunity to go back to the Mendocino coast, we will consider no other Inn than Fensalden because once one is made to feel like royalty while being treated like family, why would one go anywhere else? This is truly what great and tender memories are made of! Josee and Ralph Boardman