A hidden treasure… not far from downtown Sacramento, in the rolling foothills of Placer County, is a delightful country home perfect for a full weekend getaway, family gathering, wedding celebration…or you name it.  Green Hill Ranch exudes charm and ambiance, and if you are looking for a private, country vibe, in a quiet setting, look no further.  The pretty yellow house was built turn-of-the-century and has a large inviting porch which is perfect for lounging and socializing, certainly while sipping lemonade or a mint julep!  The pillared porch veranda looks out over a large grassy area in front of the house, perfect to set up dining tables for a crowd.  The very popular vintage theme for wedding décor would be most fitting for this location.

The house sleeps up to 13 so it works well to accommodate the bridal party over night or for a family reunion you can fill the beds and make a week out of it. There is plenty to keep friends and family occupied such as swimming, tennis, basketball and ping pong.  We witnessed as we arrived for our tour, a passel of kids running around playing tag and kick ball on the 5,000 square feet of lawn.  I believe that if I had spent any more time at this ranch I would have had the strong urge to bake a pie from the bounty of the adjacent orchard.  For me, the most impressive feature is the orchard.  There are 200 fruit trees, with each type of fruit having about 5 different varieties. Some examples are apples, peaches, citrus, cherries, pears and plums to name a few.  They have posted a list of all the varieties and when they are in season guests are encouraged and welcomed to take advantage of the ripe fruit and pick away!  The orchard is beautiful and I spotted a clearing that would be nice for an intimate wedding amongst the row of trees.  You could even concoct a signature cocktail (prepared in mason jars of course) from the fruit that is in season and serve it to the guest right there in the orchard.  Fun!

Photo ops are everywhere  – large rock outcroppings, a delightful old water tower, through the rows of fruit trees, or walking the winding driveway… or even envision the groomsmen around the handsome pool table in the most beautifully appointed billiard room we’ve ever seen.

The swimming pool was large and crystal clear, even in the fall months that we visited.  The pool deck is plenty large enough to hold the cocktail portion of your event and then move effortlessly over to the front of the house to the expansive lawn for dinner.   During the evening, gather around the fire pit and enjoy s’mores, or just sit back with a glass of Port and take in the scents and sounds and expansive sky that the countryside has to offer.

There is enough open area in the back field to accommodate plenty of cars; a valet parking attendant would be able to keep the cars orderly and at a distance so as to be convenient but out of view.  If you’re having a lot of invited guests, they certainly would enjoy the accommodations of the hotels and B&Bs, plus shopping in nearby Old Town Auburn. A professional catering company or coordinator would be of valuable assistance with taking care of the rental needs that would come up, such as the tables and chairs and linens to facilitate your social event.   Green Hill Ranch is a great entire weekend get-away location!!

~ Vixen Laurie