Vision was not enough to renovate an old motel stifled by a concrete parking lot.  Fortunately, when Mark R. Davis purchased the property in November 2005, he also benefited from the artistic flare of his wife Kristin.  Between the couple and an expert team of professionals, Mark says that Hadsten House Inn and Spa, centrally located in Solvang in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, represents an “instantaneous transformation.”

Mark believes the newly finished luxury wine country inn will “appeal primarily for romantic getaways and couples traveling together.” Resulting in what Mark defines as “many pieces of a puzzle that came into play,” the roots of the venture reverted back to the innkeeper’s own roots. 

“I grew up in the hotel business, and I was a CPA for 12 years and had been looking to get back into the hotel business for the last five years.  What I was trying to find was what I call the cosmetic dog in an A-plus location.  That’s what this property was—in a dynamite location.” 

Mark continues saying, “Some people are telling me I’m crazy, a lot of other people feel that we caught the vision of what’s happening in the valley.”  By all appearances, a renaissance is beginning to stir in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The wave of tourists is attracted to the friendly, unspoiled, slow-paced locale; much like Napa Valley was 30 years ago. 

Located in northern Santa Barbara County, the valley lies 35 miles from the beaches of Santa Barbara and 125 miles up the coast from Los Angeles.  Mark adds that people are not simply recognizing the perfect weather and booming wine industry, but also, “the stunning natural beauty of that whole area.”   

Not only did Mark discover his A-plus location, but after researching the hospitality business, he unearthed a large underserved population.  “We’re going to be, in terms of accommodations, every bit as nice as a boutique inn, but we’re going to have 72 rooms.”  Accordingly, the wedding planners are ecstatic and people are booking weddings through word-of-mouth advertising. 

Meanwhile, guests do not have to spend a fortune to appreciate the now sleek two-story inn.  Recalling the multi-million dollar project, Mark says, “We tore it (the original hotel) down to studs.  The parking is now eight feet away from the building whereas before it was right on it.  We got planters around the building now.  It’s created a totally lush green belt around the entire thing.” 

The interior, the exterior’s flawless counterpart, boasts such exuberant touches as French furnishings and fireplaces.  The guestrooms are complete with cable television and lavish amenities, some come with Jacuzzis; the hotel also provides a game room plus Solvang’s only heated indoor swimming pool.  Kristin’s magic sense of finesse is responsible for each uniquely appointed room down to such details as a retro-looking 40s telephone. The prevailing comment from guests sums it up in one word: “Wow!” 

Mark depicts his wife’s choice of colors as “perfect and warm.”  Describing Kristin’s decorating goal, Mark says, “She set out to make the property feel more like a home than a hotel.  We wanted to provide people with an upscale, deluxe, wine country with a European flare; bring all that together in the hotel setting, but have it feel residential.  In the hotel setting this is difficult to pull off.  A lot of people go the B & B route where it all becomes maybe a little too residential; whereas this, it’s got a very defined, nice feel to it.  It’s the kind of place where you want to curl up with a book or a glass of wine and relax.” 

 Unwind-unwind-unwind is the call of the day after taking gastronomic pleasure in the deluxe continental breakfast. 

The expertly designed full-service day spa will do “any body” justice.  Consider reserving a couple’s massage.  Afterwards, a catnap always seems apropos, especially since the luxury, custom mattress dubbed the “Hadsten House Celestial Bed “and fluffy linen represent soporific bliss.  Guests in the downstairs guestrooms have a mini private entrance patio with bistro chairs in which to recline. 

Everyone must schedule time to unwind even more in the midst of pleasant company during the afternoon wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres reception. Anytime is the ideal time to stroll through Hadsten’s newly created on-site mini vineyard.  Inquire about packages that incorporate such pastimes as wine tasting and spa treatments.

Only five minutes from Highway 101, travelers can participate in a host of other activities like further opportunities at wine tasting and vineyard tours, shopping, horseback riding and scenic glider rides available at the Santa Ynez Airport.  Thrill-seekers have 24-hour access to the Chumash Casino, minutes away from Solvang.   

The town of Solvang resembles a European town.  Accordingly, the proprietors named the inn in honor of a small European village in Denmark, Mark explains, “giving a nod to the town’s Danish heritage without pandering to it.” 

Referring to the inn again, he concludes, “The pictures on the website don’t do it justice; you have to see it personally to totally appreciate it.  It’s been a bit of a harrowing experience, but we’re very gratified that the public really is appreciating it.”    Throughout the premises, any visitor can sense the commitment to hospitality that shines like clusters of grapes under the sunlight.

 

About the Author: Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell Award-winning journalist Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell has written about many subjects including decorating, healthy lifestyles and has interviewed and written about such luminaries as Judy Collins and Ella Fitzgerald for many national and regional newspapers and magazines. Specializing in travel writing for the past 13 years, she is the author of Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache. She is also publisher at Cat Tales Press. Her web site is www.cattalespress.com.