We checked in at a more than delightful place called Melitta Station Inn that has an interesting history. "Melitta Station Inn originated as an inn owned by the Wiseman family around 1880. Situated along the County road between Santa Rosa and Sonoma, the property was a stage-coach stop before the coming of the Southern Pacific railroad in 1887. This rail line was used to transport basalt paving slabs to San Francisco from quarries owned by the Wymore and Violetti families. The quarries were up on the hill to the south-west side of the inn situated in what is now Annadel State Park.

In the 1890's Melitta was one of the most active train stations for such shipments, and drew on a steady stream of skilled Italian immigrant stone-masons to hew the rock. These workers lodged at Melitta Station Inn until they were able to rent their own accommodation.

At one time there were reputed to be 35 folks in residence! Through the years, Melitta Station was used as a general store and post office for the small town of Melitta. Melitta (or Melita) is derived from the the native-American word for "poppy"- which grew in abundance on the valley floor. Later it became a feed store owned by the Hefti family in the 40's and 50's before becoming an antique store and "hippy" commune in the seventies.

The Inn was renovated as a bed and breakfast and opened again as an inn in 1985. The five rooms are tastefully furnished with antiques and comfortable queen beds, and each has its own private bath. There is also a beautiful two-bedroom suite. We feature fine English linens and cozy comforters and each room has its own individual heating.

Our Inn is located in an area rich with history, where you can visit the Jack London home and ranch, Luther Burbank's home and gardens where many heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables were hybridized, and the historic town of Sonoma.

Sonoma was the original site of the founding of the Bear Flag Republic of California in 1846. The briefly independent (10 days!) state soon was persuaded to join Abe Lincoln's Union to secure the recently discover silver supplies for the Union Treasury against the looming Confederacy revolt."

As for the accommodations, the word, "charm" best fits it. The Inn is owned by Jackie and Tim Thresh, who haul from the UK. Jackie is the chef and she shared one of her recipes.

Swedish Egg Cake with Seasonal Fruits

Ingredients to serve: 6

10 ounces of any stale cake (provided it has no butter-cream or frosting and is not strong flavored)
7 ounces of cream cheese (must be Philadelphia brand)
2 ounces sugar
1 cup of half and half
4 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend together all ingredients except cake crumbs. Place cake crumbs in a mixing bowl and pour the blended mixture over the crumbs. Cover and refrigerate to soak overnight.

In the morning, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mash the soaked crumb mixture with a potato masher and pour into a really well-greased 10 inch ceramic flan dish. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown. Allow cake to cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Prepare fresh seasonal fruits according to availability and preference. Hint: use apple juice to avoid color deterioration in apple, pear, banana and other sensitive fruits.

Cut wedge-shaped portions of the cake and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnish plates artistically with the fruits and a sprig of mint.

Oh, yeah...they even have spa facilities including getting a massage. www.melittastationinn.com For reservations call: (800) 504-3099 or (707) 538-7712.

Photos by Nancy Kozicki