Garden Valley Ranch is located in beautiful Sonoma County, on the outskirts of the town of Petaluma. It has a “living history” through its stunning rose gardens and farmland; in fact what is now an impressive visual and aromatic experience of 5 acres planted with 10,000 rose bushes, was originally built as a private rose garden in the late 1800’s. The history includes Victorian architecture as well as an abandoned railroad line that ran through the property from Santa Rosa to Petaluma, and we love that the old line and the original train depot are still a piece of this history. In fact, the restrooms were once the depot for passengers to step onto the train. So quaint! Garden Valley Ranch has many pathways through the gardens, as well as fruit trees, lovely arbors, gorgeous landscaping and there is even a “secret garden” as well as a barn. There are several spots on the property that will be perfect for large and small celebrations.

Staying with the history, the first event space is an outdoor Victorian gazebo structure. The back story is awesome as this gazebo used to be a second story porch to a large Victorian house. Now it’s a perfect setting to hold a wedding ceremony, or a musical combo. Directly in front of the gazebo is a brick patio with surrounding lawn that can hold 150 guests for sitting to observe the ceremony, or for afternoon and into-the-evening dining under the stars. The scent and beauty of the roses are steps away, and if a wedding is what is being planned, the bonus is the bride can make her entrance through a glorious wisteria enveloped trellis and down the path of roses up to the gazebo. Heaven!

Directly behind this garden party space is The Secret Garden, hidden by tall hedge walls that make you feel like you know something everyone else doesn’t! This space is perfect for a welcome reception or cocktail party. Anchored by a large stone fountain, moved from San Francisco just for this garden area, this space is divided by hedges, apple trees, and arches adorned with ivy and surrounded by lavender, gardenia and roses. A meandering party through The Secret Garden or a more centered event utilizing the brick patio surrounding the fountain are both great options.

Sauntering through the entire property is pure joy and after walking under the abundant arbors, through the fruit and birch tree groves, you may come to the indoor event space. This classic barn, with its weather-vane steeple, offers variety to Garden Valley Ranch. Yet another private space, walled in by poplar trees and hedges, with its outdoor manicured patio space, market lights, a fountain, and level gravel base that is ideal for table placement and ease of transition from outdoor to indoor events. The interior of the  barn features white open beams, hardwood floors, and a gorgeous staircase taking you to the second-floor space with wood rails around the stairwell giving it an open-air feel. The side door and main red barn door access a wrap-around-deck bringing the outside into the barn and allowing for multi-use-spaces for any style of event. The featured wood wall in the barn carries the tradition of history from the original Queen Anne homestead that burned down many years ago and is the entrance to the newly remodeled restrooms.

A romantic cottage is also available in addition to the option of renting the main residence for larger parties sleeping up to 8 guests between the two. Both accommodation options are tucked within the gardens and will make you feel right at home. We visited Garden Valley Ranch in mid October, when the prime blooming season was ending; but it was still stunning with very well cared for gardens.  This is a property to add to your list to stop and smell the roses!

Is there anything sweeter than a fresh cut bouquet of the most fragrant varietal of roses wrapped in butcher paper? Thank you to owner, Jessica, for the take-away gift. We cherished them for days after our visit!

Thank you to Vixen photographer, Allison Stahl, for capturing the beauty.

~ Vixen Catrina