The Cottage At Winjes Farm — Hotel in Alturas

I’m sitting out on the porch at Winje Cottage in Lake City, CA. I’m surrounded by so much birdsong and butterflies that are so big that they might just be birds. Occasionally an intrepid hummingbird will zoom into the yard and hover just long enough for the two of us to make eye contact. It’s peaceful here.

At night they say that there are foxes and bobcats. Mule deer roam in the surrounding fields, and if I look past the trees, I can see the lake that gave the area its name. There is nothing out here and everything too. Did you drive a Tesla a bunch of miles on a road trip like we did? Well, you’re in luck because they have chargers for you to use before you get back on the road. Are you hungry? Well, you’re in even more luck, because they fully stocked the cottage for breakfast and maybe even a late night snack of fresh baked bread.

The nearest town is very small, and charming. We had a late dinner at the Whalen Public House which served pizzas, salads, and beers. It was delightful. There is so much to love about this area. The Cottage too, felt like coming home. It has a full kitchen, firm queen sized bed, a comfy leather couch, a TV, and wifi (on which I’m writing this tiny review).

You couldn't ask for more accommodating hosts, and I'm already looking forward...

Jan & Russ have created a special place out of an old farm in the rich ranchland north of Cedarville. The cottage was unusually tastefull, thoughtfully outfitted with comfortable furniture, full kitchen needs, etc. Jan provided all sorts of veggies, bread and other provisions, which really added to our meals. Be sure to check out Jan's little shop of African (mostly) arts and crafts and stuff. Her taste is exceptional and the prices are a fraction of what you would expect. We loaded up with a dozen things, like a large and colorful wicker basket, kitchen apron, Xmas ornaments made from straw, etc. What a great shop! Mostly this is as homey a place as we have ever stayed, and spending our late afternoons on the deck with babbling Brook and birds was very special. Highly recommended. We stayed 3 nights but 5+ would have...

What a great place to stay! I went for rest and relaxation. Jan had everything you need right at your fingertips. Homemade bread and apricot jelly too. This cottage is neat as a pin and so very homey. They made me feel welcome and I got to see their barn owl in flight and hunting the field at dusk. Cricket choir each night with a babbling brook right outside your door. Humming birds everywhere. Then they took me to the Spaza Shop. Handmade items from Afrika. Thank you Jan and Russ, you have really done a nice job to make this such a...