Timber Cove Resort, Sonoma, USA

North of San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast, Timber Cove Resort emerges as a stylish modern retreat from its rustic surrounds. Built in 1963 by architect and original owner Richard Clements Jr, who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic sensibilities, the property has just reopened after extensive renovations. 

Given its location on 25 acres of craggy coastline, against a backdrop of picturesque redwood trees and panoramic vistas of the sea, 46-room Timber Cove has always been a sought-after hideaway. But this recent makeover elevates the visual experience to meet contemporary design standards. Overseen by husband-and-wife team Cortney & Robert Novogratz, the resort’s reimagined interiors still complement the original architecture’s natural infrastructure of stone, timber, and glass. 

The Novogratz’s selection of mid-century sideboards, antler chandeliers, wall-to-wall wood headboards, a chevron-striped wood bar, and leather sloping chairs honours the bucolic address, while an abstract patterned couch in the Great Room, original art pieces from artists like Jimmy Mezei and Jeff Canham, rose gold pendant lamps, and glossy SMEG refrigerators give the space a colourful summer camp vibe that lifts the interiors to a place of whimsy and fun.

And if there’s anything a California travel fantasy should have in spades, it’s that seamless marriage of nature and fun.