Drive some 100 miles north of San Francisco and you’ll arrive at Sea Ranch, a ’60s development along the rugged Sonoma Coast known for its clusters of shed roofs, a weather-worn look, and a way of living inspired by the utopian ideals of its era. Al Boeke, the planner and architect who envisioned the community, relied on a talented team to create a design that, to this day, sets a high bar for living in harmony with the land.

Central to the development is the Sea Ranch Lodge, a hub that is now set to reopen this fall after a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation. Positioned along Highway 1 and serving as the heart of the community, the lodge upholds the architectural integrity of the original design, but is reimagined as a destination in and of itself.

Inside its original 10,000-square-foot structure are a new dining room, a solarium, a bar and lounge, a cafe, a general store, and a post office. Nearly 12 acres of adjacent land—all with stunning views over the Pacific Ocean—will play host to events.

“As we continue to fulfill [the designers’] original masterplan, we will always design and host experiences here that live in harmony with the natural elements that make Sea Ranch so special,” says Kristina Jetton, general manager of the lodge.

Behind the redesign are area local and general contractor David Hillmer, architecture firm Mithun, landscape architecture firm Terremoto, and interior designer Charles de Lisle, and all have played a significant role in helping to ring in a new era for the iconic development. As you wind your way north along the windswept coast, keep an eye out for the ram’s horns painted white.

A Midcentury Cabin at Northern California’s Sea Ranch Gets a Glowing Makeover

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Mithun / @mithun_design

Landscape Architect: Terremoto / @terremoto_landscape

General Contractor: David Hillmer

Interior Designer: Charles de Lisle / @charlesdelisleoffice

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Following a Two-Year Renovation, Northern California’s Sea Ranch Lodge Reopens This Fall