Mesa del Sol Estate
Welcome
In order for all to best enjoy the stay at this exclusive property please see these special instructions. Let us know if you have any questions, concerns or requests.
Rooming
Your room assignments will be made in advance by us, taking into consideration your details and the needs of the group. Rest assured that you will be placed comfortably.
This historical estate encompasses 14 walkable acres in the heart of the Arroyo Seco Highlands looking out over the Arroyo Seco River Canyon. Once the site of an early California health retreat and a stagecoach stop, the entire property has been lovingly restored and includes a gourmet country kitchen, lush ornamental gardens, 55' pool and large open social areas, with several updated outdoor BBQ areas.
The estate features the main house and other living quarters close to the main house with all the comforts and modern conveniences you'd expect. The ample acreage with separate living areas allow each guest a sense of privacy and space.
There are magnificent views in every direction of the surrounding mountain wilderness. The front acreage is devoted to the organic vineyard, producing award winning wines. Kids will love watching the wildlife in the trout pond, sampling our organic vegetable garden and collecting fresh eggs daily from our chickens.
Entertainment and Communications
Cable/Satellite TV
3 Alexa Music Components
Telephone
WiFi and WiFi calling
Outdoor Features
Private Hot Tub
Pool
Deck/Patio
Gazebo
Rules, Cautions and Courtesies
For the comfort of all the guests we ask that you read and follow these house rules:
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This is a non-smoking property. Even outdoors where fire hazard is especially high.
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Children must be supervised at all times. There are a number of water features on the property and no life guards are on duty. Other than the kitchen and dining room, the main house is off limits for children to play and is a quiet zone for the adults staying in those rooms.
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Dogs, while allowed on the property, must be on leash while other guests in the group are present and are not permitted in the main house or patio.
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Please respect the quiet hours between 10pm and 9am. There are plenty of outdoor nooks for late night chatting and laughter away from those guests who have may have retired for rest.
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The chef asks that the kitchen space be reserved for the hour before each planned meal. Between meal times the kitchen is available for your self service snacks and beverages. Please tidy up after yourself when using the facilities by placing dishes in the washer and clearing the counter tops.
History of the Property
Located on a beautiful upland promontory at the junction of three major watersheds, Mesa Del Sol has been a favorite location for more than a century.
One small stone building, a water house, and a portion of one of our cabins date back to the 1800's and are believed to have been a stage stop for travelers headed overaland to Carmel Valley or up the Arroyo Seco River to the Mission San Antonio.
Around the turn of the century, a health center with various small cabins was developed. The hot dry pure air of the Arroyo Seco Highlands became a soothing setting for those with tuberculosis and other maladies. Teddy Roosevelt was a visitor and stayed here during that time!
In 1927, California Senator Fred Weybret purchased the property and moved his family here. The main house was constructed in 1936 out of local redwood and Carmel stone. The Senator and his family lived here until his death in 1945 and the land passed on to a noted Monterey County lettuce baron from Salinas, Steve Rianda, and his talented artist wife, Mary.
With their three children, the Rianda family lived on the property, named it Mesa Del Sol, and went on to beautify the mesa, adding a pool and other out buildings and cultivating the grounds and gardens over the next 25 years.
In 1998 another Salinas-born agricultural innovator Jake Hougham, purchased the land. The vineyards were planted and the trout pond was reinstalled at that time.
Since Jake Hougham's death in 2000, his wife Ann has continued to restore the 14 acre vineyard estate and produce award-winning grapes for many celebrated Monterey County vintners. The estate buildings have been lovingly restored, the grounds beautifully landscaped and crops now include fragrant Provence Lavender used in sachets, lotions and oils.
