Vacations for Women: A Baroness, Horses and Luxury in California’s Gold Country
Enchanted April Farm's Welcoming Committee
A Baroness in the Gold Country
California’s Gold Country, those rolling hills two hours east of San Francisco, has seen its share of privateers and, today, tourists. I usually avoided this part of the Golden State, unexcited about staying in a musty, antique bed and breakfast inn that charges me way too much for dust and a possible ghost encounter (which seems to be a big marketing plus in the Gold Country).
But then I found Enchanted April Inn, run by a true baroness. Seeking an adventure with lots of luxury, I pulled through the gate of this 10-acre equestrian property and promptly went into a stoned reverie that didn’t leave me until I hit the road home. And leaving was really tough to do.
A Baroness from a titled family, innkeeper Elke von Schlosser, born and raised in California, was gracious and welcoming.
“It’s a magical healing place for restorative peace,” she said. “People can sense there’s something here out of the ordinary. The energy is very restorative.” That would explain why I felt so blissed out.
Soothing Waters offers a fireplace and a huge jacuzzi in the bathroom
She placed me in Soothing Waters, a pristine, bright room with views of the heritage oaks and white fenced pastures.
Later, as ducks and their babies crisscrossed a spring-fed pond and we waved away dragonflies, Elke explained how she found this place.
For years, she idly sketched a pretty farmhouse cottage with a long porch. One evening, while looking at Gold Country ranches on the Net, she found the exact farmhouse.
“I instantly knew,” she recalled. “There’s my house.” And she put an offer on the property, sight unseen.
“When I drove up to the gate, I saw that it was even more beautiful than I thought.”
Enchanted April Inn Dining Room
After adding a Tuscan reflecting pool and shady dining pergola out back as well as an olive grove, vineyard and lots of lavender plants, she opened her doors as a bed and breakfast but with an added twist. Horse owners and their mounts can also check in, a sort of Bed and Barn. Guests who check in with their horses can board their equines in specially built paddocks. She felt no horse and rider should miss the opportunity to ride the historic trails in hills where miners once searched for their El Dorado.
“Our equestrian facilities are the best in the Gold Country with safe boarding, secure fencing and a riding arena with excellent footing,” she said.
Dawn at Enchanted April Inn
Elke’s own horses, a Paint gelding named Apache and a roping horse named Beau, seem happy grazing in her white-fenced pastures.
Reflecting pool and pergola, wine not included
After a weekend in the company of a baroness, a couple of friendly horses and no ghosts, I felt restored enough to roll out the front gate, back into the world.
I hope you all can visit this jewel in the Gold Country, with or without your horse.
If You Go To Enchanted April Inn:
Enchanted April Inn is located in Pilot Hill, CA, just off Highway 49 between Auburn and Placerville.
5950 Salmon Falls Rd.
Pilot Hill, CA
(916) 939-9144
www.EnchantedAprilInn.com
Four double rooms, some with fireplaces, one with a whirlpool tub. $149 – $199. Rates include a full, cooked breakfast.
You can arrange for an old European-style afternoon tea, two person minimum, ($17.50), or a hour-long massage by a certified therapist in the outdoor massage tent ($50.00/two person minimum ).
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