The Blanchard House is an absolute gem! If you’re looking for a traditional “bed and breakfast” experience along the Mendocino Coast, definitely book your stay here.

My wife and I stayed at the Blanchard House over 4th of July weekend, as there wasn’t much availability in Mendocino proper. We’re so happy we did, as the property is a very short drive from downtown Mendocino (5-7 minutes), but has more of an “in nature” feel. The house is nestled in a cozy residential street off Highway 1, and the balcony outside the guest room has a view of Van Damme Beach across the street in one direction, and dense redwood forest in the other. What a peaceful way to wake up in the morning! Beats the train horns and sirens blaring outside our home in Oakland any day.

Melody and James were phenomenal hosts. We were greeted with homemade banana bread and Ghirardelli chocolates when we arrived, and the guest room was extremely cozy and thoughtfully arranged. They stocked the fridge with fruit, water, and snacks, and thought of every little detail to make us feel at home. James even made us his famous espresso on our last day, as we chatted with them about their lives, travels, and the history of the house. Melody also gifted us some homemade jam before we left. These people are truly some of the kindest, most salt of the earth people I’ve ever met!

The house is over 100 years old (!), but doesn’t feel that way. The guest room is completely private and above their main residence, so there’s plenty of privacy if that’s a concern.

Book the Blanchard House, you won’t regret it. And tell your hosts Bryan and Laura say hi 🙂