Our Story & Coastal Heritage
Perched on 30 secluded acres along the Sonoma Coast in Jenner, California
Where 100-year-old redwoods meet panoramic Pacific sunsets.
Built as “Hill House”
4-Unit Addition
New Ownership
Renovations
From "Hill House" in 1953 to a
Reimagined Coastal Sanctuary
The Driftwood Lodge was Originally called “Hill House,” the property was built in 1953 as part of the Fort Ross Lodge, still located across Highway 1. By 2019 the property was no longer in use and the house was sold to new owners in 2020. The property underwent nearly 2 years of renovations and updates geared towards short-term rentals until being purchased by us, the current owners, in 2022. We fell in love with the lodge at first site, recognizing its unique combination of mature redwood forests, stunning ocean views, and expansive meadow.
We didn’t buy the lodge to start a business. We bought it to escape. To trade traffic and screens for sunsets and ocean air. To raise our kids among Redwoods and goats. To rediscover what “together time” really means.
Over the years our small project became something much larger. A haven where couples, extended families and friends can pause, celebrate, and share life’s biggest moments against some of the most breathtaking backdrops in California.
We hope you enjoy the magic of Driftwood Lodge as much as we do.
Katie & Orrin (owners)
Meet our team!
just a short nature walk away at our sister property.
Ernie is our property and grounds manager, living on-site near the barn. Ernie is a “jack of all trades” as he manages the mini-farm animals, keeping the grounds clean and mowed, changes the hot-tub water, performs repairs, and improves/updates the property daily. Ernie is very friendly and would love to introduce you to our animals and set up a time to feed and pet them. Ernie is also a local artist, creating beautiful creations from driftwood, raw milled wood, and other local materials.
Cherry is the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps Driftwood looking its best. She does an incredible job preparing the property before every reservation and restoring it afterward, making sure everything is clean, comfortable, and ready for our next guests. Her attention to detail, reliability, and pride in her work are a huge part of the Driftwood experience and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her on the team.
Lindsay is the go-to person for all things Driftwood. She manages reservations and wedding inquiries, coordinates weddings and special events, and helps guests navigate all the details that go into planning a memorable stay or celebration. With her deep knowledge of the property and years of experience making things run smoothly, Lindsay is an invaluable resource for guests, couples, vendors, and the rest of our team.
Dan’yell is our friendly on-site host and one of the people who helps keep Driftwood running smoothly. She welcomes vendors, gives property tours, answers questions, and lends a hand wherever it’s needed around the property. Her familiarity with Driftwood and willingness to jump in and help make her a wonderful resource for guests and an important part of our team.
Building our Ideal Retreat Since 2022
Since taking over Driftwood Lodge in 2022, our family has worked alongside an incredible community of friends, staff, craftspeople, and local partners to thoughtfully improve the property while preserving the character that made us fall in love with it in the first place.
We started with the basics: updating and refreshing the interiors, before renovating the kitchen and mudroom during our first year. In year two, our focus shifted to the barn, transforming it into a more functional gathering space and adding a new bathroom for events. Year three brought renovations to the living room and pantry, creating warmer, more comfortable spaces for guests to gather.
In our fourth year, much of our attention has moved outdoors, with a new gathering patio, improved fencing, landscaping, and other projects designed to make the property more beautiful, functional, and welcoming.
Along the way, we’ve continually added better lighting, expanded our collection of wedding décor, furniture, and event rentals, and – perhaps most importantly – grown our little farm and its collection of four-legged and feathered residents.
Driftwood has very much been a work in progress and a labor of love. Each year we try to leave it a little better than we found it, while holding onto the rustic, relaxed character that makes this place so special.
Before & After
Ready to explore the space?
Start by filling out the quick form below. We will review your details, check availability, and follow up personally within 24–48 hours.
Prefer email?
You can also reach out directly at owner@thedriftwoodlodge.com