Tucked along Northern California’s rugged coastline, Mendocino offers a striking balance between natural beauty, historic charm and understated luxury. This coastal enclave, with its misty headlands and crashing waves, is perhaps best known for doubling as Cabot Cove in Murder, She Wrote. During winter, the fog that rolls in from the ocean lends a uniquely atmospheric quality to the town, where nature and nostalgia seem to coexist seamlessly.
My stay at Nicholson House, a meticulously restored Victorian property, was an embodiment of Mendocino’s duality—where history and modernity meet in a sophisticated yet approachable manner. The boutique hotel, with its reimagined Victorian charm and subtle Art Deco touches, offers an experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.
We stayed in the dog-friendly garden room, which was as cozy as it was elegant. The heated bathroom floors were a welcome luxury, adding a touch of modern comfort to the otherwise old-world ambiance. The owners had also left a handwritten note and a snack for Jackson which was deeply appreciated.
Outside, the sounds of croaking frogs and the distant crash of waves served as a soothing soundtrack to the untamed beauty that surrounds the property, while the location itself—just a short walk from dramatic clifftop hikes—provides the perfect backdrop for both quiet reflection and exploration.
After an 8-hour drive from Los Angeles, I was welcomed by the warmth of a local pub, where the simple choice between Cornish Game Hen or Ham for dinner was a perfect reflection of Mendocino’s understated charm. We ate our meal back at our lodgings, accompanied by a muted Murder, She Wrote episode playing for the full effect.
Mendocino, with its blend of natural beauty, history and calm, offers an ideal setting for those looking to slow down, reconnect with nature and embrace a quieter pace of life. At Nicholson House, the seamless fusion of Victorian elegance, Art Deco charm and warm hospitality ensures that this coastal retreat is as welcoming as a hot cup of cocoa on a stormy winter’s night, chez Jessica.