Wednesday, June 20, 2012

"You are always on vacation"



I was recently hanging out with one of my local friends here in Mendocino and I told him that I had been saving some money so that I could take a vacation. He smiled at me and said, look at where we live, you are always on vacation! Smiling back, I could not disagree. That evening I went to Big River beach and sat in the sand while basking in the gorgeous sunset.
 Mendocino is a magical place that truly mimics almost that of  Disneyland when you were a kid. It brings the same magic.  The whole coast feels like Adventureland!  It still amazes me that there are still such pristine beaches like this in California. On beautiful sunny days, the ocean turns the most magnificent emerald green, sometimes literally taking my breath away.

Summer technically begins today. I have had so many great adventures and trips so far and summer has only just begun!  A day at Usal is a must when visiting Mendocino. It's a drive, but wow what a gorgeous one! The Albion River has been one of my favorite things to do this summer so far, particularly because it's no drive at all! For whoever stays at The Schoolhouse, it's a luxury to be able to be there in  minutes! There are lots of other secret beaches and river spots  along the coast if you are willing to go and seek them out! For those who want the easy beach experience, Big River beach is truly amazing, and it never gets old!  Every time I am there I relive the gratefulness I feel for it's beauty. I love that you can go down to the beach and sit on a huge piece of drift wood and relax or step just on the other side of the bridge and suddenly be standing on the shore of Big River itself.  " Catch a Canoe" up the river for a gorgeous and scenic trip.
 The Northern California coast is the best that California has to offer. Between the ancient redwoods and mystifying landscape of the bluffs and beaches, you are sure to leave this place a different person that when you came..  And for those of us who are lucky enough to live here, happy extended vacation!

  To everyone,

HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE! 


(Scroll down to see a few pictures of some of the awesome things we have been doing so far!)


-Laura Bottrell
VP Schoolhouse Properties












Wednesday, May 16, 2012

An Albion Schoolhouse Wedding





On Saturday, April 26th in the mid afternoon, a wonderful couple by the name of Whittney and Daniel Beard recited their vows in the gorgeous field adjacent to The Old Albion Schoolhouse. 



They later enjoyed a beautiful family style dinner in the Master Principle Room, followed by a great night of dancing with DJ Tony De La Torre in the Library! 





 Matt Rowland dressed the event and even used a unique driftwood overhang with lanterns to add additional lighting in the dining room and beautiful drapery in the library.  Whittney looked absolutely stunning in her gown and the rustic elegance of their special day was truly heat warming!!




 I spoke with Whittney after the event and asked her how everything went. She was very happy and told me that the day was absolutely everything she wanted and she was thrilled with how everything turned out! Before bedtime, Matt's crew tore down the dining room and resembled the room back into the Master Bedroom and Daniel and Whittney enjoyed their first night married in the luxury of the Honeymoon Suite! We were so excited to host their special day at The Old Albion Schoolhouse. Thank you Whittney and Daniel! Congratulations, and to many years of happiness!!  


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

So much happening!

Wow!!!!


Time flies when you are having fun! 
We have been so busy at Schoolhouse Properties, I have not had time to post until now. We have lots to update you on and lots of exciting news!!
Here is what we have been up to:



On February 25th Schoolhouse Properties hosted our Grand Opening, "Back To Schoolhouse Night".
This was such a fantastic event!




We enjoyed music from John Gilmore and his jazz band in the library.
We also got the pleasure of listening to John Faurot play acoustic guitar in the grand room while our guests enjoyed local wine and beer. 


Adam Celaya from Def Chef Catering made some amazing finger foods for us including Salmon Sate, Quiche, his award winning Crab Cakes, and some tasty desert. 

       
                       All in all, it was a fine evening! Thank you to everyone that attended!




*KZYX LOCAL PUBLIC RADIO BENEFIT CONCERT *
HEADLINING OUR VERY OWN:
BILL BOTTRELL!!!


On April 19th Schoolhouse Properties hosted a benefit concert for KZYX, Mendocino Public Broadcasting.  This was a very unique event as it was headlining our very own Bill Bottrell accompaniment by the very talented, David Hayes (Van Morrison Band). 


To accomodate our ticket sales, we used the Master Bedroom for our venue.  The crowd showed early and enjoyed tasty snacks and drinks in the Grand room.  The concert room was packed and everyone sat silently until there was a song or line from a song that the crowd loved and therefore erupted in applause and cheers.  The show lasted a little more than an hour with a huge encore at the end.  Bill and David also received a wonderful standing ovation.  Bill played some of his best songs including, "Chocolate Albion", "Love On", "Under the Wire",  and music from his musical contribution to the show "Diner".


It was a magical evening full of fun and great music. Thanks to everyone who came out, KZYX benefited greatly from your contributions and your attendance was appreciated by all!!
See you at the next one!


NEW ADDITIONS!!!!!


We are SO excited to announce that we added an addition to The Albion Schoolhouse.  The lot directly adjacent to the House is now available to use for parking, large weddings,  or a play space for kids to run around and explore in a safe area! It also works great for big family games like soccer or crocket! We can now accomodate all your needs whether it be a large party or wedding down to fun vacation rental ideas. 


Updated lot pictures to be up soon.



Thank you to everyone who has used, recommended, attended, and shown your support to Schoolhouse Properties and The Old Albion Schoolhouse.  We love and appreciate our local community as well as all of our out of town visitors!

With love,
Laura Bottrell
SHP Vice President





Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Schoolhouse Properties Experience

WELCOME TO SCHOOLHOUSE PROPERTIES!!!

We are a company that provides unique and beautiful locations for vacations, weddings, retreats, seminars, meetings, workshops, and parties. While you are here, we offer a list of concierge services for your comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

We want to introduce our first available property; The Old Albion Schoolhouse
This amazing property served as a school from 1924-1978.  In 1998 legendary record producer Bill Bottrell restored and renovated the place into a luxurious home and event center.  Bottrell would hold benefit concerts, parties, weddings and large dinner parties at the house.  At one point Bottrell moved his recording studio into the library and major artists came to the schoolhouse to create their magic.


This property is located on the Mendocino Coast in California where the redwood forest meets the wine country.  The ocean views from the house are epic.  The house is equipped with a grand room that has a industrial kitchen that overlooks the ocean and a sitting area with a huge fireplace.   The Library is a favorite room because it has a large selection of reading but also a stage and lights and a dance floor.

 The house can sleep 8 people with a huge master principal bedroom and bath as well as two identical rooms with half baths.  There is a separate identical bathroom to the master principal on the west side of the house.


We offer a wide variety of concierge services for your stay.  Whether you are here vacationing or on a retreat you can experience everything Mendocino has to offer:



In Home:
Manicure/Pedicure
Facial
Massage
Private Chef
Private Bartender
Private Entertainment
Private Ballroom Dance Lessons


Outdoor:
Canoe Ride
Ocean or River Kayak
Local Secrets Tour
Hikes
Albion River Sunset Cruise
Wine Tasting
Abalone Diving
Crab Catching

                                                                       





Use the Old Albion Schoolhouse for whatever reason you may have and let us take care of making it a true experience.  We are so excited to bring so many years of history and rustic elegance now to you!  Treat yourself to the experience you deserve.






For inquiries contact:
Laura Bottrell
Schoolhouse Properties
schoolhouseproperties@gmail.com
(707) 357- 1255


Check out our Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Schoolhouse-Properties/287703551264669