Celebrity Playground of the Past Revamped for Modern Luxury Travelers

A famed retreat for 1920s Hollywood stars, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has reopened following an extensive renovation honoring its glamorous past. The Southern California resort is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with upgraded amenities and a new aesthetic reminiscent of the golden age of cinema.

The 11-acre inn, located in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, was a popular destination for celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Bing Crosby during its prime. It now emerges refreshed yet faithful to its roots as a sophisticated celebrity escape. The multimillion-dollar restoration added modern luxuries while preserving historic architectural details.

The project updated all guest accommodations, public areas and dining options. Designers embraced the property's storied legacy through an atmosphere blending old Hollywood elegance with contemporary California style. "During restoration, we carefully curated the inn's aesthetic to play dramatically between the old and the new," said managing director Vikram Sood.

Original 1920s buildings were revitalized, including the lobby designed by pioneering architect Lilian Rice. But fresh decor and upscale additions reintroduce the resort as a refined modern getaway.

The 85 rooms, suites, cottages and residences now exude bright, airy sophistication. Spacious floor plans incorporate sitting areas, marble bathrooms, fireplaces and private patios. Restful earth tones and natural materials provide an oasis of casual refinement, accented by custom furnishings.

The revived grounds recapture the graceful allure of Rancho Santa Fe's early fame. Pathways winding through lush gardens connect guests to amenities spread across the sprawling property. Lounges and fire pits tucked into tranquil corners invite relaxed contemplation.

Dining options match the setting's relaxed refinement. Helmed by San Diego native Moira Hill, Lilian's restaurant focuses on classic California cuisine sourcing local seafood and produce. Its soaring interior filled with trellises and custom design details sets the stage for elevated yet comfortable meals.

Adjacent Bing's Bar pays homage to frequent inn guest Bing Crosby with craft cocktails and plush green velvet sofas around a fireplace. The sun-drenched pool area with cabanas completes the aura of luxurious ease. A spa facility debuts in December for additional pampering.

While thoroughly updated, beloved hallmarks of the grounds remain, like winding pathways through lush flora. Outdoorsy pursuits satisfy guests wanting to venture beyond the inn’s confines. Close hiking paths provide stunning vistas of the valley and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The area’s celebrated equestrian heritage can be experienced via inn-arranged horseback rides.

Rancho Santa Fe's perpetual sun and mild climate first put the village on the map as a restorative destination in the 1920s. Seeking an exclusive country retreat, Hollywood stars flocked to the inn for privacy and seclusion. The remoteness that once attracted celebrities now provides a peaceful escape just minutes from San Diego.

Original architect Lilian Rice pioneered California's signature Spanish Colonial Revival style. Her graceful design for The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe formed the heart of the master-planned village, considered her crowning achievement. The restoration honors Rice's vision while meeting the demands of modern luxury hospitality.

"It's our legacy to share the inn's story through our offerings and service, embodying a bygone era as a celebration of California’s golden age," Sood said. The revival channels the resort's gilded past into a relevant yet timeless setting.

Throughout its century as both a local landmark and celebrity refuge, the essence of the inn has remained unchanged. As a new era dawns, it retains its reputation as a bastion of exclusivity and comfort. The sensitive refresh renews the resort's prestigious place as a pinnacle of Californian style and hospitality.

The revival exquisitely balances preservation and progress. Original structures still form the heart of the grounds. Inside, thoughtful nods to the property's history hide behind contemporary finishes. The inn evolves while staying faithful to its core identity.

Modern wellness priorities like the new spa seamlessly complement the aura of leisure and luxury. Guests can play tennis or golf on professionally designed courses. For full immersion in the Southern California lifestyle, private surf lessons with professional coaches can be arranged.

The inn's longstanding equestrian program remains a signature experience. Meandering trails through the Rancho Santa Fe countryside pass avocado orchards and horse ranches. Knowledgeable guides match riders of all levels with well-trained horses. Scenic rides reinforce the timeless connection between the land and the inn's rich heritage.

Restored original exterior facades maintain the look and feel of an intimate hacienda. Inside, an open-air courtyard ringed with lush palms and fountains evokes charming seclusion. The inn's signature restaurant, renamed Lilian's, carries forward a legacy of gracious dining in surroundings bustling with tuxedoed waiters.

With its graceful melding of past and present, the revived inn exemplifies Lilian Rice's visionary influence. The project both honored her pioneering architecture and reasserted the resort's enduring sophistication. The sensitive update ensures the legacy of Rancho Santa Fe's treasured retreat endures for the next 100 years.