A white duvet, a patchwork of different kinds of lace, teams up with a Battenberg dust ruffle, pillows, and curtains to create a soft romantic haven. Wall-to-wall carpeting in a rose pattern adds another comforting touch. The oak chest, an antique from Germany, is a bed box that Jo inherited from her grandmother. The drawer pulls out to make a child's bed. (Quilt on bed from Ocean Quilts.)

Mendocino, California is a veritable trove of architectural treasures, none more so than this Victorian farmhouse. Painter of light, Thomas Kinkade, used the structure as his model for his painting, Home Is Where The Heart Is, Number II. Romance without pretense is its hallmark. Built in 1877, the farmhouse sits on two acres. Innkeepers Jo Bradley and Fred Cox tend the garden themselves.

     Everyone wants to feed the birds at Quail Cottage, so innkeeper Jo Bradley, a registered veterinary technician whose specialty is in wildlife and exotics, came up with the perfect solution: she developed a recipe that contains ingredients that are good for the amazing array of birds seen on the property.
     Jo also enjoys catering to people. "We love to help with all sorts of surprises," she says. Small weddings and wine tastings are two of the memorable happenings on the property and guests are served full gourmet breakfast in their bedroom.
     Quail Cottage featured here was originally the chicken coop on the farm. Jo and Fred worked nonstop for four months to complete the transformation into this beguiling cottage. "We have an amazing variety of critters here," says Jo, "which includes quail, hence the name 'Quail Cottage.'" A telescope and binoculars are always at the ready.
     Jo and Fred have combined treasures from their antiquing forays all around Mendocino County, as well as a bed box Jo inherited from her grandmother, to decorate the snug haven, perfect for travelers with the desire to temporarily run away from home. Its 900 square feet features a fully equipped kitchen and two decks with ocean and forest views. The bedroom has a woodburning fireplace and a Jacuzzi for two.