Holman Ranch stone hacienda in Carmel Valley, California

Tucked away on a 400 acre parcel of land in Carmel Valley, California sits the stone hacienda known as Holman Ranch. This “Casa Escondida” or “Hidden House,” resting under the outstretched arms of majestic oak trees, has been a retreat for Hollywood celebrities since the days of Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Marlon Brando.

Authentic Carmel found at Holman Ranch

Today, an overnight stay at Holman Ranch is a chance to glimpse into the past of old Carmel Valley. While the ranch has changed hands several times, the original character of this 1928 Spanish hacienda shines through. From the inner courtyard of the main building, with its fountains and rose bushes, to the carriage house, once a former stable, the property blends its cowboy past with modern day elegance.

Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley was built for celebrations.

Romance found at Holman Ranch

Holman Ranch was built for celebrations. From weddings to family reunions or corporate retreats, the ranch and surrounding grounds lend themselves to memorable gatherings.  Ten themed guest rooms line the property. From the two bedroom cottage, to the Charlie Chaplin room with its two queen beds, bridal parties or grandma and grandpa, along with a posse of grand children will feel right at home on the private estate.

All rooms offer complimentary wi-fi, flat screen tv’s, showers, ironing boards, safe deposit boxes and housekeeping service. There is also bocce ball, a horseshoe pit, fitness center, swimming pool (not heated) and indoor game room offering a dart board, pool table, plasma tv, bar, jukebox and fireplace – an ideal bachelor pad for boys and girls, young and old to play.

Traveling with Fido? Holman Ranch is pet-friendly, to any size dog, for a price of  $250.

Three’s not a crowd at Holman Ranch

Charlie Chaplin has stayed at Holman Ranch. The Charlie Chaplin room.

Three is not a crowd at Holman Ranch. In fact, the more the merrier for you and your wallet! Be advised that Holman Ranch is more of a package deal. You’ll need to reserve all ten rooms to stay on the estate – think weddings; special events in Carmel, Pebble Beach or Laguna Seca.

My room, the Charlie Chaplin room with two queen beds, rented for $375 per night on weekends, including full, hot breakfast, and $325 week day rate. Not interested in breakfast, subtract $25.

Holman Ranch Vineyards

What’s a wedding celebration without California wine? Holman Ranch has a small estate vineyard of primarily chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes under production in the Carmel Valley Appellation. The 19 acres of grapes produce estate wines for wine club members. The property also features Tuscan varietal olive trees, resulting in extra-virgin olive oil; again, only available to wine club members. Am I detecting a pattern here?

Holman Ranch stainless steel canteen.

Insider tip

I am not a fan of the tap water in Carmel. It tastes bad.  Thankfully, Holman Ranch has its own water system on the property and the water quality is excellent. Mindful stewards of the land, Holman Ranch includes two stainless steel canteens in rooms for guests to use, enjoy on the ranch and take home as a reminder of their Holman Ranch vacation.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter .

Holman Ranch  (831) 659-2640

60 Holman Ranch Road

Carmel Valley, California 93924

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Holman Ranch.

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La Playa Carmel

Hike or walk Villa Montalvo’s arboretum and visit the art center in Saratoga.

Are you visiting Saratoga for the first time? Don’t confuse this Saratoga with the one on the east coast.  I have only traveled to Saratoga, California. Without further adieu, I give you my insider tips for things to see and do in Saratoga, California.

When I have a visitor from out of town the first place they want to see is The Mountain Winery, Villa Montalvo and Hakone Gardens but I also take them for  local, authentic experiences like:

• Cycling up Highway 9
• Saratoga is a blend of very high-end and very down home, so I like to take them for a drink at the Plumed Horse’s swanky wine bar and finish the evening at the Bank,  a funky Irish pub
• Casa de Cobre, with a covered patio that’s dog friendly
• Teens like Yolatea for honey-ginger bubble tea
• Morning coffee on the porch at Blue Rock

If this is a romantic trip, I recommend the following for kissing with a view:

• Maisie’s Peak-Accessed from the trail in Fremont-Older Open Space
• Chateau deck at the The Mountain Winery

The best place to walk the dog is Joe’s Trail. The main trail head is on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road at the railroad crossing just south of Seagull Way.

Museums are wonderful, but if you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit the playground in Wildwood Park (20764 4th Street ) or go horseback riding at Garrod Farms. (Those under 8 years old can go on a 30-minute pony ride and must be accompanied by an adult.)

Order the Black Pepper & Parmesan Soufflé, uni & Dungeness crab fondue at the Plumed Horse in Saratoga, California.

Where to eat in Saratoga

If you are looking for typical California cuisine, I recommend The Basin (http://www.thebasin.com/) and Restaurant Sent Sovi (http://www.sentsovi.com), both with innovative menus.

The best place to go for coffee & a breakfast treat is The Big Basin Café. They offer homemade pastries and very well made organic coffee served up by friendly baristas who will remember you.

Looking for cheap food in Saratoga? Go to Bai Tong for lunch http://www.baitongthai.com/ or Florentine Trattoria  (http://florentinetrattoria.com/)

The best spot for late night dining is the lounge at the Plumed Horse for sexy nibbles like lobster sliders. The Plumed Horse is also the place to go for a fancy meal. My favorite dish: order the Black Pepper & Parmesan Soufflé, uni & Dungeness crab fondue at the Plumed Horse in Saratoga, California.

Are you visiting Saratoga for the first time? Make sure to visit Hakone Gardens.

Things to see and do in Saratoga, California

Did you know that some scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha were filmed at Hakone Gardens?

When you come to Saratoga, get your picture taken at Hakone Gardens by the koi pond anytime or under the wisteria arbor in springtime.

If you want a glorious view and don’t mind a little walking, the hike to the overlook at Villa Montalvo really delivers. There’s also Maisie’s Peak-Accessed from the trail in Fremont-Older Open Space.

A unique annual event in Saratoga is the Torchlight opera performances at Hakone Gardens in the summer.

For the recreation lover, Saratoga is a great place to hike,  bike and horseback ride.

Looking for a little exercise? Hike or walk Montalvo’s arboretum, 2.5 miles of oak forested, beautiful trails as well as the gorgeous gardens of the estate itself. You can do a loop from the Village to the Estate gardens in about 90 minutes.

Saratoga History Museum

If you are a museum lover, Saratoga’s best museum is the Saratoga History Museum –  http://www.saratogahistory.com Exhibits trace the evolution of the creekside encampments of Muwekma Ohlone Indians, to the lumber mills of the mid 1800s, to the blossoming orchards that carpeted the West Valley through the first half of 20^th century. Also documented is Saratoga’s early spa resort at the nearby mineral springs, and the dancing champagne fountains of Paul Masson, one of the founding fathers of the California wine industry.

The museum’s 1904 building houses permanent exhibits, as well as quarterly special displays featuring interesting aspects of local history.

After a morning of horseback riding, go wine tasting at Cooper Garrod Estate Vineyards.

Libations and night life in Saratoga

Looking for exciting night life? Go dancing or listen to live music at Blue Rock Shoot. http://bluerockshoot.erprod.com.

With local and regional acts,  Blue Rock Shot is fun, comfortable and intimate. A great place to rub elbows with locals.

The Saratoga News will keep you posted on what’s happening in Saratoga. http://www.mercurynews.com/saratoga

You can tell a lot about Saratoga from visiting and watching Celebrate Saratoga-a Village Block Party. In 2012 it was held in mid-September with live music, food vendors, wine, a Kids Zone and a Teen Scene with a DJ and live music.

In the spring you should attend Mustard Festival in the Heritage Orchard.

In the summer you should attend a concert at The Mountain Winery with dinner on the chateau deck.

Wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains

In the summer you should attend a concert at The Mountain Winery with dinner on the chateau deck. Wine aficionados will want to check out the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association’s, Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day.

Did you know that Saratoga is known for their summer concert season at The Mountain Winery?

Plan a visit in the fall to Cinnabar’s Winery release party.

What are your favorite things to do in Saratoga, California?

For more up-to-date happenings, follow  Go Saratoga on Twitter or visit their website. For all things travel related, follow Travel Expert Nancy D. Brown on Twitter.

Thanks to the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for assistance with this post. Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown.

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