As you drive up the mountainside and down again into Carmel Valley, California, your views shift & you can focus on a quieter side of life.
As I headed down the California Coast for a 3 day trip in Carmel, my stay started with two nights in Carmel by the Sea where things are also quite historic. Enjoying sunsets, beaches, and shopping galore, the experience is one not to miss especially with all the new wine tasting rooms popping up all over the downtown square.
After two days, I had enough of the tourist focused coastal areas.
When staying in Carmel by the Sea, you find yourself surrounded by flashy cars and “tourists abound.”
When staying in Carmel Valley, you find yourself surrounded by wine tasting and untouched wilderness abounds.” I’ll take the latter.
Whether you have a Wedding, Special Event, Family Gathering, or a Corporate Retreat coming soon, Holman Ranch in Carmel is a terrific centralized location. Perfect for groups of people in California to meet and enjoy the outdoors, these same people can also enjoy the company of each other while relaxing in style. The grounds at Holman Ranch including lodging, the Hacienda Historical Building as well as lovely walking paths and vineyards with hard to beat canyon side views.
Imagine strolling the grounds, wine glass in hand ( big pours of Estate Grown Pinot Noir in the glass of course), preparing to exchange vows al freso with the backdrop of the mountain vistas and canyons beyond.
Think of sipping on slightly buttery yet complex Chardonnay or perhaps tasting sumptuous house-pressed olive oil at a corporate dinner, indulging in the Ranch’s gorgeous grounds via ATV Open Vehicle through the vineyards, or maybe a cave tour with friends…… and more.
After a private wedding ceremony for example, this “more” may include a “Skeet Shooting” escapade which “I heard tell” that one wedding party scheduled after their nuptials.
Now that’s a wedding party invite that I would like to obtain, what an awesome story that also made for the staff on hand for the skeet shooting and photo opps abounded for sure… How nice for the Holman Ranch to help the party guests celebrate such a moment.
With acres upon acres of land surrounding you in California’s Carmel Valley, the Holman Ranch property has something in store for most outdoor enthusiasts. A focal point of Holman Ranch is its recently restored 1928 Carmel stone hacienda, an iconic estate sitting atop a hill which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Lucia Mountains beyond the French doors. This estate served as an exclusive hideaway for many Hollywood celebrities including Charlie Chaplin and Theda Bara.
You can also choose to stay in the comfort of ranch style modern accommodations or plan an event for the day to enjoy the beautiful grounds. I choose to stay overnight for my trip to get the full experience.
Each guest room has a flat screen TV, windows with views, individually controlled heat and AC units and private full baths complete with organic bath products.
A full kitchen is available in the lobby of the estate and a terrific game room is also close at hand. If you also decide to stay, in the mornings, you will enjoy a delicious continental plus breakfast, then stroll down the footpaths to the pool and fitness center available for use if you are a guest of the ranch.
Rumored to be the first pool ever built in Carmel Valley and with a Hacienda building and with a “Charlie Chaplin” Guest Room, not too shabby. What most impressed me while walking the grounds… was what a spectacular wedding, presentation or charity auction… that could take place on the spacious Holman Ranch lawn. The grass was surrounded by panoramic mountain views and Carmel Valley sunshine, what a nice combo.
And so I start my four part review of Holman Ranch, yes four part, because the Ranch, the wine and the people warrant that much response from me. What an a hidden jewel in California.
I wonder if Huell Howser ever visited because I do imagine that I would love to find out if he has and exclaim out loud in his memory… that Holman Ranch and it’s history is a slice of ‘California’s Gold.’
Chin Chin til the next post Tomorrow when I write more about the lovely wines ….Stay Tuned for more on this epic location.
Holman Ranch Carmel Valley – Website HERE
19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 659-2640 | info@holmanranch.com
Sounds like Heaven Amy. I would love to visit Holman Ranch. Can’t wait to read your reviews of their wine. I’ve been really wanting to try it! Great article. Cheers!
It was heavenly Michelle…and the photo montage has just started… Not only do the people rock at Holman Ranch but the place is spectacular….surrounded by canyons!!