We spent some time visiting with Jeanne and soon Ray arrived to give us the guided tour and history of the home. Built in 1902 by John Cavanagh, owner & founder of the Cavanagh Lumber Company, the home boasts rare heart redwood wall paneling, woodwork and flooring. Polished to a gorgeous luster, nearly all of the original features of the home have been retained. The property had been operating as a bed & breakfast for several years before Ray and Jeanne purchased it in 1995.
The landing on the stairway features a stained glass window (which had originally been in the dining room) hanging over a window seat filled with wonderful dolls handcrafted by Jeanne...including Betty Davis! In the parlor on the first floor we had already met Emily, the leader of the doll family and the single doll available for "adoption".
The guest rooms in the main home are all located on the second floor off the octagonal common parlor. The parlor offers a small desk with a guest phone and dataport, books to read and extra towels and amenities. Throughout the home are original artworks and trompe l-oeil painted by Ray's daughter Dina. Next to the main home is the 1912 Craftsman Coottage, which offers 3 guest rooms and a common living area. On the second floor landing of the cottage is a lovely garden scene painted by Dina.
We were shown to the Sunrise Room, with a queen size bed, private bath with shower, 2 side chairs, dresser and dressing table. Before dinner, we met the other guests at the inn as our hosts served up local wines and engaged us in conversation. On our return from dinner, there were fresh baked cookies waiting in our room. After a great night's sleep, Cindy rose early (as usual) and ventured out to take Lexxus for her morning walk. By the time she returned, there was fresh coffee waiting in the common area upstairs. Soon it was time for breakfast!
We started our day with sweet pink grapefruit juice, a fresh plum fruit torte with strawberry sauce, followed by eggs with carmelized onions and Sonoma peppers, potato wedges and ham. The dining table held a brilliant pink azalea and was dressed out in fine china and linen, fitting of the meal we received.
Too soon it was time for us to leave and Ray followed us to The Eagle....for a photo of us yet!
When venturing into the Petaluma area of the Sonoma Wine Country, be sure to visit the historic town of Petaluma and it's one and only bed & breakfast. The innkeepers will charm you with witty and interesting converstaion and stories of their beautiful home! Visit their Website and be sure to tell them Cruising America sends our best wishes!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * 6301 Cotton St., Pensacola, FL 32526 * 850-292-1599 * freedom@awindingroad.net
