Sand Rock Farm: A Historic Winery Estate Turned Secluded Retreat
Nestled amid 10 acres of redwoods and oaks south of Santa Cruz, the historic Sand Rock Farm is a secluded retreat where time slows down. The lovingly restored estate weaves fine craftsmanship and a rich winemaking history with tranquil landscapes and a touch of romance.
The original 1,000-acre ranch was established by Dr. August and Eva Lilliencrantz in the 1880s. They planted over 70 acres of wine grapes and built Santa Cruz County’s first winery. By 1907, they were shipping 130,000 gallons of wine a year. As Prohibition loomed, the Lilliencrantz family pivoted to cattle ranching, and the vineyards gave way to pasture. But the estate’s legacy and craftsmanship endured, and more than a century later, it would inspire a remarkable restoration.
A Restoration Reveals the Soul of the Estate
The Lilliencrantz’s original 1887 cottage was built from redwood trees that were milled onsite. In 1910, the family expanded the cottage footprint with the construction of the beautiful Arts and Crafts-style farmhouse that now serves as Sand Rock Farm’s main house.
In the early 2000s, former San Francisco chef Lynn Sheehan and her mother, Kris Sheehan, embarked on a painstaking revival of Sand Rock Farm. Their restoration work revealed the soul of the old estate, including a magnificent front door and fireplace mantel crafted from rare curly redwood, a honeycomb of live bees hidden in the walls (now honored by the name of the Honeycomb Suite), and the ruins of the original Lilliencrantz winery.
The well-preserved architectural details speak to the farmhouse’s storied past, while a tasteful blend of antiques and modern accents exudes the cozy feel of a family home decorated with furnishings collected over time. An Eastlake-style parlor mirror, once part of the Claus Spreckels mansion from 1870, adds a gleam of Gilded Age splendor. Paired with midcentury-inspired seating and other modern pieces, the interiors take on a timeless quality.
A Stay Steeped in Comfort and Nature
The inn’s five light-filled suites open to garden and woodland views, each room a tranquil blend of period details and modern comfort. The suites’ luxuriously comfortable beds, Jacuzzi tubs, and electric fireplaces create cozy retreats after days spent exploring nearby beaches and the Corralitos Wine Trail. Each suite is also equipped with Wi-Fi, television, plush towels, and premium bath amenities. Two of the suites offer direct outdoor access and are pet-friendly.
Guests wake to chirping birds, the scent of eucalyptus trees, and a delicious breakfast served each morning. The breakfasts are made from scratch and feature fresh eggs from the farm’s own hens. A morning stroll along the nature trail is a perfect way to start the day. You might spot wild turkeys, deer, quail, or even a fox among the trees. In the afternoons, you can relax with a book on the sunny reading porch or in the Adirondack chairs nestled beneath the shade of an old-growth redwood. At night, you can gather around the fire pit on the deck or enjoy a soak in the ensuite Jacuzzi tub.
Romantic Gardens, Redwoods, and the Winery’s Enduring Spirit
The estate’s heritage oak and towering redwood trees lend the inn a cathedral-like stillness. The redwood grove—with its trickling fountain and dappled sunlight—has become a beloved spot for couples to exchange wedding vows. Surrounding the farmhouse, Japanese maples blaze in autumn color, while the wisteria arbors burst into bloom each spring. Paths wind through a hidden garden, where heirloom roses and perennials bloom throughout the year.
Just steps away, the ruins of the original 1887 barrel-aging cellar whisper stories of the estate’s winemaking past. The arched stone walls still bear the original iron hinges of the cellar’s large wooden doors. The space has been gracefully repurposed as an outdoor event and dining venue, where flickering candles and fairy lights transform the timeworn walls into something magical. Nearby, the remnants of the 19th-century gravity-fed winery walls stand as a reminder of the Lilliencrantz family’s pioneering role in Santa Cruz wine history.
Life on the Farm
Though much smaller than its original 1,000 acres, Sand Rock Farm still hums with the simple joys of farm life. Taking the reins from Kris Sheehan several years ago, current owners Derek and Jen Hagglof have continued many of Sand Rock Farm’s traditions and added some of their own. You’ll find fresh flowers from the garden in each of the rooms. A brood of hens provides the eggs for morning breakfasts. Baby goats provide adorable entertainment while two resident dogs and a farm cat round out the farm’s four-legged family.
Although Sand Rock Farm now primarily serves as a wedding venue and tends to be booked out months in advance, lucky travelers can still snag a reservation midweek and during the off-season. It’s a worthy effort to experience this secluded, timeless retreat.
