Discovery Bungalows 313 Evokes Italy in Sonoma

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We have the impression that there are so few discoveries of hotels, especially when it comes to California Wine Country. Bungalows 313, with six spacious and affordable units just off Sonoma Plaza, are just that – a true find and a vacation destination worthy of a European spirit, right in the heart of Sonoma City.

Owners Isac and Minette Gutfreund fell in love with the aesthetics of Tuscany on a trip to Montalcino, and Bungalows 313, which they have lovingly restored over the course of several years, evoke that spirit with interior spaces and welcoming exteriors of different sizes, each with a unique character. It’s no surprise that the original building, built just after the turn of the 20th century (1907) – and listed in the 1978 Sonoma League for Historic Preservation Historical Resources Survey – was built by Italian immigrants. Until the late 1800s, the land was part of General Vallejo’s orchard. Vallejo designed the city of Sonoma, including the plaza, which is California’s largest at eight acres.

We stayed in the newly remodeled Terra unit, a huge two bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and front and back patios. The original stone walls of the property give the space continuity and warmth, and the living room and dining room form a large space suitable for receptions.

The stone house was renovated by Thornley Associates with architect Adrian Martinez, and the interior was designed by Laurie Weatherford.

It’s remarkable how quiet this place is given its proximity to all the action of the plaza just one block away. Add to that the privacy of not having a formal check-in – your key code is emailed to you prior to arrival, along with step-by-step instructions for accessing your unit. (You can always reach out to someone if you need help, but it’s quite nice to walk into a property on your own terms without needing to chat with strangers.)

Terra’s kitchen is particularly nice, with a full fridge / freezer, stove, oven, microwave, and coffeemaker (with free coffee). It’s equipped with everything you need to cook a full meal from scratch or reheat leftovers, including a bottle of wine (and a ‘passport’ for discounts at local wineries).

The bathroom has a standalone shower and a divine clawfoot tub, where I spent every evening relaxing with a glass of wine.

Other units range in studio to one-bedroom size (not counting the other two-bedroom unit above Terra called Cielo), and each has at least a kitchenette. And all units have access to beautiful common areas, including a pétanque court and a gas fireplace with sitting area in the pretty backyard. The outdoor space was designed by Sonoma County landscape architect Penney Magrane.

Bungalows 313 are in a residential area with plenty of street parking, walking distance to The Girl & The Fig and other restaurants, plenty of shopping, and a short drive to State Historic Park Jack London. The Sonoma Bike / Walking Trail is at the end of the block, so plan to bring your bike or rent one – it’s the easiest and most fun way to get around.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough for its location, moderate price, and gracious and comfortable bungalow style suites and apartments.

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