While looking at a map of the Sonoma area for lodging, The Gables immediately caught my eye because of its rural location and large property. Although it’s only minutes from both Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa, Petaluma Hill Road feels far removed from the city, with beautiful rolling green hills all around. The property includes its own small vineyard, which adds to the peaceful wine-country setting. What sets a bed and breakfast apart from hotels or Airbnb rentals is the presence of the hosts, and Pam and Larry at The Gables are excellent ones. They are very knowledgeable about Sonoma County and have strong relationships with local wineries. Guests receive a wine passport that offers complimentary or reduced-fee tastings at several wineries, which is a great perk. On arrival, I was welcomed with a glass of wine from the property, a nice touch that immediately made the stay feel personal. They are also happy to recommend restaurants, wineries, and places to visit. I stayed in The Library, a first-floor room in the back of the Victorian house. It was quiet, dark, and very comfortable for sleeping. At night I could hear frogs and owls, which I enjoyed, but a sound machine is provided for guests who prefer white noise such as rain or ocean sounds. The bathroom was spacious and included a clawfoot tub converted for use as a shower. It worked fine for me, but guests with mobility issues should note that stepping into the tub could be difficult, and there are no grab bars. Breakfast is a big part of the B&B experience, and The Gables does this exceptionally well. Each morning we were served a three-course breakfast. Pam makes wonderful pastries, and Larry prepares the main dishes using locally sourced ingredients. I was able to see the other rooms in the main house, and each one has its own character, most with gas fireplaces. There is also a separate cottage on the property that is perfect for two people today, even though it originally housed a couple with seven children. One detail I especially appreciated is that the property runs on solar power, with battery storage used at night. It fits perfectly with the rural setting and the care the owners clearly put into maintaining the place. Overall, this is a true five-star bed-and-breakfast experience — peaceful, welcoming, and ideally located for exploring Sonoma County.
