Tucked away in the heart of the Sierra Nevada forest is a lovely hideaway known as Chateau du Sureau. Foodies have been coming to the Elderberry House restaurant since 1984 for its haute cuisine, and the restaurant did so well that owner Erna Kubin- Clanin opened an inn to accommodate her guests. This charming Provencal castle features quaint balconies and a dramatic round fieldstone tower. The grounds are planted with manicured topiaries and the stucco walls are dotted with Elderberry bushes that cover the castle’s rolling grounds. Inside, chambermaids wearing black with white-linen aprons deliver baskets of goodies and tea. There is no front desk, no check-in formalities. The 10 unique bedrooms, nearly all of which have fireplaces, include canopy and sleigh beds, cathedral ceilings and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Chateau du Sureau Amenities:

• 10 rooms, 2 story. Closed Closed two weeks in January. Complimentary full breakfast. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. Restaurant, bar. Spa. Outdoor pool. Credit cards accepted.