Atwater has designed a refreshing, country-inspired look for the Best Western Dry Creek Inn, a two-building Mediterranean-style villa located in the heart of Healdsburg, California. To help elevate the brand and better position it as a travel destination, the designers reimagined the 60-room building as an ode to Tuscany, creating a boutique, at-home feel.
"The owners wanted their guests to feel comfortable while also feeling pampered," said Stina Funch, creative director and founder of Atwater. "They wanted a timeless design that would be in dialogue with the Italian flavored architecture and fit into Sonoma's vernacular and landscape."
Drawing inspiration from both the Italian and Californian countryside, the beautifully-appointed rooms evoke country-cottage chic, complete with exposed faux wood beams, fireplaces, and private balconies. Mixing luxe and laid-back elements - rustic woods, decorative metal, natural stone, and neutral textures - the rooms create a sense of place not normally seen in a Best Western. To make a welcoming statement, decorative credenzas and cerused wood nightstands are juxtaposed with soft blue hues and creamy whites. Designed for modern times, the majority of bathrooms were upgraded and expanded. Jetted tubs were replaced with generous showers, and accentuated with double sink vanities, Spanish tiled floors and shower surrounds, and artwork depicting colorful farm flowers.
The property includes one guest suite complete with kitchen. It features a farm sink and table, sliding barn door, four-poster bed, and casual sitting area.
Built in the early 1980s as a roadside motel, The Dry Creek Inn has evolved into a charming get-away, catering to foodies and wine lovers from across the globe. In 2008, the owners added Villa Toscana, the luxury counterpart to the original 103-room Casa Siena building, and in 2014, made major cosmetic upgrades to Casa Siena.
Photography: Bethany Nauert