A historic 22-acre redwood retreat on the Russian River featuring screen-free cabins, Japanese-style ofuru baths, and South American-influenced dining.
Dawn Ranch stands as a historic 22-acre sanctuary along the banks of the Russian River, occupying land that has welcomed travelers to Guerneville since the early twentieth century. Originally established in 1905 as Murphy's Guest Ranch, the property later earned distinction as California's first gay destination resort in wine country. Following a devastating flood in 2019, the ranch underwent a comprehensive multi-million-dollar restoration led by Bridgeton Studio in collaboration with designers Brian Smith and Whitney Clark, reopening its gates with a renewed focus on wellness and creative retreat. Today, the estate is defined by its towering redwoods, including two rare dawn redwoods that give the property its name, alongside century-old apple orchards and rolling meadows that stretch toward the riverfront.
The accommodations consist of 86 screen-free cabins, cottages, chalets, and glamping tents designed to foster a deep connection to the surrounding forest. Guest rooms feature minimalist, nature-inspired interiors with a palette of forest greens, custom wood furnishings, and premium comforts like Parachute linens, Frette bath towels, SMEG mini-fridges, and Le Labo bath products. Cozy private decks offer quiet spaces for morning reflection, while select premium cottages include working fireplaces and outdoor soaking tubs. The grounds offer direct access to a private beach on the Russian River where guests can launch complimentary kayaks, borrow custom bicycles to explore the town, or gather around communal fire pits in the evening for s'mores.
Culinary and wellness offerings at the ranch are deeply intentional, anchored by The Lodge at Dawn Ranch and an on-site spa. The restaurant, influenced by famed Argentinian chef Fernando Trocca and helmed by chefs Juliana Thorpe and Ignacio Zuzulich, serves a highly seasonal, vegetable-forward menu that merges South American heritage with Sonoma County's local bounty. Guests can choose from curated tasting menus in an intimate, wood-paneled dining room or enjoy fireside dining on the outdoor terrace. Nearby, the Spa at Dawn Ranch occupies the property's original historic homestead, offering a sanctuary complete with outdoor redwood soaking tubs inspired by Japanese ofuru traditions, infrared saunas, and wellness workshops ranging from forest bathing to hands-on botanical crafts.
Book one of the ofuru soaking tub sessions at the spa ahead of time, especially at dusk when the fog begins to roll through the redwood canopy.
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