Ten years ago I moved back to my Grandmother's home with vision to restore the house (that is built on the foundation of the Merrill hotel, built in the late 1800s then burnt down in 1926) and connect with the family history. I wanted to create a place that felt like home for people and gave people a sense of true comfort and nurturing.

As a child I remember my grandmother going out and picking fresh raspberries for breakfast and waking up to the smell of blueberry muffins. My grandmother worked in the vegetable garden and people were always stopping by to sit on the porch and hear stories of the past. It was, and is, a safe refuge off the main road that runs over the eastern slope of the Serrias. After one whole year of renovation to the house and grounds, I opened The Mountain and Garden as a Bed and Breakfast as well as a retreat for small groups, workshops and meetings.

The property sits on eight acres in the small town of Woodfords and at the base of Cary's Peak, a majestic craggy mountain with waterfall serving as a backdrop to weddings and parties. The original property was bought when great grandfather Willis P.Merrill sailed from Vermont to San Francisco to seek his fortune in 1850. After setting up a woolen mill near Sacramento, he soon discovered other opportunities. Willis began crossing the mountains with pack mules, carrying supplies and selling them to various settlements. In 1854 Willis opened a trading post at Cary's Mill in Woodfords. The Well's Fargo used the Merrill's trading post as an office, and when the Pony Express was routed through the area, mail was picked up and delivered at the trading post. Gradually he acquired more property and built the hotel, where stables and services were provided while people traveled over the Sierras.

Directions

The Mountain and Garden is located at 250 Old Pony Express Road, Woodfords, California. We are very close to the juntion of Highway 88 and 89. We are about a 20 minute drive (about 15 miles) from South Lake Tahoe. Kirkwood Ski resort is about half an hour away.

If you require more details, please contact us.

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Activities in the surrounding Area

Skiing
World class skiing at Kirkwood and Heavenly is just 20-30 minutes away.

Fishing
Some great fishing in nearby lakes and rivers

Hiking
Beautiful mountains, creeks and rivers on National Forest land. Wildflowers and stunning fall colors.

Biking
Nearby mountain biking for the adventerous

Mineral Springs
Grover Hot Springs is 10 minutes away, Wally Hot Springs is 20 minutes away

Golfing
Choose from courses in Carson Valley or South Lake Tahoe