There are times in one’s life when what is imagined becomes reality. I’m here to tell you about an experience that equaled and surpassed that statement. It all began with a trip into the foothills of Amador County. Just as in the Wizard of Oz my imagination took, me on the yellow brick road that was made up in this case of mustard colored flowers paving the way toward my destination. The grassy hills lie in conjunction with many colorful flowers that embody the magnificent backdrop of God’s canvas. Signifying that a precious time of the year has arrived, bringing about nature’s period of renewal. This experience of serenity enhanced my excitement as I approached my destination, the Windrose Inn.

Upon entry to this quaint Bed & Breakfast my wife and I walked on a path laden with blooming flowers, shrubs and trees crossing over a lightly chattering brook that led to the walkway lined with rose trees. This Victorian Farmhouse sits on an acre of land, surrounded with very old heirloom quality shrubbery. The Inn also features a gazebo, wrap-around porch, a spacious brick terrace with Koi pond.

Mr. Bruce Stanbridge and his loyal friend Haze (The canine mascot) greeted us at the entry and welcomed us to the Inn. His wife Paula soon joined us then set about describing our room and the amenities offered at the Inn. We found ourselves soaking up the ambience of this period dwelling and wondered what it was like in 1897 when two Italian miners who worked the Kennedy Mine constructed the house. It certainly was a convenient place to build, as the mine was located directly behind the residence. The house is referred to as a Victorian Farmhouse but is not at all a farmhouse but rather a Victorian without the gingerbread features.

Soon, we were on our way upstairs to the room that awaited us. As we ascended the stairs, our excitement grew as we made our way towards the room known as the Windrose Hideaway. This romantic and secluded room takes up the top floor of the Inn and features a carved pine queen-sized sleigh bed, a seating area with reclining wing-backed chairs, electric stove fireplace along with a champagne bubble spa tub for two and a skylight. You can imagine our delight!

The Inn features three other rooms. The Rosewater Room features oak furniture, a fireplace, a large bathroom with claw foot tub and shower accompanied by a queen-sized brass bed that looks out over the brick terrace, Koi pond and fountain. The Perpetual Spring Room is furnished in white wicker, features a white iron queen-sized bed and has a seating alcove. This room offers a cozy bathroom with a classic tub and shower that looks out over a rose bath garden. The Jackson Gate offers a queen-sized mahogany sleigh bed, a large bathroom along with a standard tub and shower that looks out over the rolling grounds towards the creek. Prices range from $115-185. All rates include a full gourmet breakfast and afternoon wine with hors d oeuvres. At the afternoon wine encounter, you begin amidst strangers and leave looking forward to seeing them again at breakfast. So was the case with our new found friends Nancy and Will from Santa Cruz.
While staying at the Inn, there are many quality restaurants to discover. On this occasion, we chose the Imperial Hotel, where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

The next morning we experienced one of Paula’s many breakfast creations. This one started with Virginia smoked ham thinly sliced and topped with fresh chopped parsley and chevre, and finishes up with an egg in each cup then baked in a hot oven. Served with German Potato Pancakes. (Grandmothers recipe) and topped with sliced fresh tomatoes. Delicious!

If your search includes the need for tranquility this is the place. They offer no phones, no televisions, no clocks, and no CD players but you can be assured that after your visit has ended you will leave rejuvenated and refreshed.

For additional information visit their website at www.windroseinn.com or phone them at (209) 223-3650 or 888-568-5250 and tell them you saw the article in D’Vine Wine & Visitors Guide.