This Underrated Farm Stay Is One of Northern California’s Best Kept Secrets
Off-the-beaten-path in the Sierra Foothills, Blue Ruby Farm is a food-forward agritourism stay created by husband-wife duo Stephanie and Paul. Inspired by their travels through Italy and France and Paul’s time as a chef at Chez Panisse, the experience centers around community, seasonal meals, and slow living on their regenerative farm. Bonus for dog lovers—there are three resident pups who you’ll often see running around.
OVERVIEW
Don’t call it a bed and breakfast—this rural farmstay also gathers guests around the table for fresh, seasonal dinners and great conversation.
LOCATION
6251 Marysville Rd, Browns Valley, CA
See on Google Maps
HIGHLIGHTS
Seasonal, locally-sourced dinners
Welcoming hosts
Peaceful setting in nature
Unique, social concept
Beautiful, modern architecture
Comfortable rooms
ROOMS
3
BOOK HOTEL
Who’s the farmstay for?
Admittedly, it’s not for everyone—and that’s OK. But if you love connecting with fellow travelers from around the world, enjoying incredible farm-and-garden-to-table meals, and slowing down in nature, you’ll love this unique experience.
What’s the vibe?
Chef Paul cooking dinner while talking to a guest in the house’s kitchen.
Arriving at Blue Ruby Farm felt like pulling up to an old friend’s house—if those friends happened to be a professional chef and a community-and-environmentally-minded creative. We were immediately greeted by Stephanie and shown around the bright, airy farmhouse, designed by her architect sister and brought to life by the duo over the course of a few years. We happened to arrive on a perfect spring evening, when we could open all the windows and enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of the lush, green landscape just beyond the back patio.
Both the indoor and outdoor spaces inspire a sense of calm and relaxation, but it was our hosts, Paul and Stephanie Ladeira, who made the farm stay feel like more than just any ol’ bed and breakfast. As we cracked open a bottle of wine and settled in to chat while Paul prepared dinner—a fresh spring salad with radishes straight from the front yard and lamb from a neighboring farm, roasted on the indoor hearth—we got to experience the intangible element the duo has worked hard to create: a warm, inviting, and connection-driven retreat rooted in hospitality and in harmony with nature.
Food & chef-led dinners
Since they serve dinners, “technically, we’re not a bed and breakfast,” Paul clarified. This is both one of the things that makes a stay here unique and a reason to go out of your way to visit.
The three-course meals are not only delicious and restaurant-quality (no surprise from a chef who trained under heavy-hitters like Michel Richard, Jean-Louis Palladin, and Julia Child), but they’re also thoughtfully composed using ingredients almost entirely sourced from the farm or nearby neighbors. Halfway through cooking on our first night, Paul stepped outside and returned with a handful of perfect radishes. “I didn’t even know we had any of those,” Stephanie laughed. Given Paul’s “let things grow where they grow” approach to regenerative farming, that moment felt perfectly on brand. Radishes mingle with flowers, grasses, and trees here—it’s easy to miss them if you weren’t the one who scattered the seeds.
For anyone who enjoys live-fire cooking, the open hearth at the center of the kitchen is a standout feature. Both nights we dined in, Paul made excellent use of it—slow-roasting meats and vegetables to form the heart of our meal. For drinks, the couple keeps a small but excellent list of wines from local wineries—including one, Frenchtown Farms, which you can visit and do tastings by appointment.
Breakfast was also a tasty adventure. On our first morning at the farm, we took a “field trip” to a nearby bakery, Artisan Lavinia. Only open on Saturdays, this family-owned spot is truly a hidden gem—literally, you have to drive down a dirt road through the farms and ranches of Oregon House to get there. The couple, originally from Romania, mill their own flour on-site, which they use to make incredible breads and pastries. On sunny days, locals gather to pick up pastries (which you can pre-order since they often sell out), sip coffee, and chat in the garden.
Our second breakfast was shared around the table with Paul, Stephanie, and two other guests: a spring-inspired frittata, toast, locally made jams, and yogurt. For early risers like us, Stephanie thoughtfully set out everything we’d need to brew a pot of French press coffee each morning.
What are the rooms like?
The farmhouse has three private guest rooms in their own wing of the building. Each room has a dedicated, spacious bathroom, as well as a private patio with comfy chairs overlooking the property’s five-acre lake and distant oak savannah—perfect for sipping your morning coffee while watching the wildlife (geese, beavers, and the occasional farm dog) wake up for the day.
Cozy touches thoughtfully chosen by Stephanie—like soft muslin blankets and an inviting reading chair—add a sense of warmth and comfort. Since the couple built the farmhouse from the ground up, they were also able to incorporate intentional design features, like extra soundproofing between rooms for added privacy.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a stay memorable. I’ll admit, I was especially delighted by the collection of guest slippers (washable ones by Bombas) which were lovely to have on a chilly spring morning.
Property and location
So, you may be wondering at this point, what’s there to do while you’re not eating?
If your goal is to disconnect and recharge, you could easily spend your time relaxing on the expansive property. For those curious about regenerative farming—which focuses on building healthy soil, improving biodiversity, and restoring natural ecosystems—be sure to get out and stroll around the gardens and pond just outside the house. One morning, we joined a few other guests, Paul, Stephanie, and their resident farm pup for a casual tour of the land. As we strolled, they pointed out beaver dams, edible plants, and tree grafting projects throughout the property, all while explaining how the farm’s design supports ecological restoration.
Nevada City
In the summer, locals from the Sacramento area often drive out here to boat or swim at nearby lakes like Collins Lake or Bullards Bar. If you’re more interested in the food, you could spend a day exploring Oregon House, about a 15-minute drive from the farm. Hit up Artisan Lavinia for breakfast, stop by Apollo Farms for their weekly Saturday Farmer’s market, have a leisurely lunch at Clover Cafe, do a wine tasting at Frenchtown Farms, and finish with dinner at Cafe Collage.
For hiking, Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area is the closest option, but if you’ve never been before South Yuba State Park is worth the extra drive. From Blue Ruby, you’ll pass through Nevada City—a charming Gold Country town. It’s worth a stop to peruse the small vintage shops or grab a drink and/or dinner at Lola, inside the beautifully restored National Exchange Hotel.
Overall
Overall, I’d recommend a stay at Blue Ruby Farm, especially if you’re as excited about the unique concept Paul and Stephanie have built as I am. It’s a chance to experience a lesser-visited corner of the Sierra Foothills, while still being within reach of more popular spots like the South Yuba River, Grass Valley, and Nevada City. It’s perfect for a night or two away from the city, rejuvenating both spirit and mind, all while being welcomed into this small, food-and-farm driven community.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Pack with nature in mind: layers, sturdy shoes, and a flashlight will go a long way. A book or iPad is great for evenings—there are no TVs, but the Starlink Wi-Fi works well. Bug spray is also highly recommended, especially in warmer months. Several activities also require or recommend advance reservation—if you want to do a wine tasting at Frenchtown or dine at Cafe College, for example, I’d recommend booking a time slot before you go.
BOOK NOW
