23700 Ridgeway Hwy
Potter Valley, CA 95469

Perched in a secluded mountain bench overlooking the Eel River, sits one of Mendocino’s most spectacular private and self sufficient retreats - the Wind River Ranch. One approaches the Ranch through a river valley rich in pasture and fringed by towering stands of ancient firs. The road then ascends above the river floor as it winds through the forest to finally emerge at a manicured mountain meadow depositing you at the heart of the Ranch. The centerpiece of the Wind River Ranch is the Lodge - a sprawling 5500 Sq. Ft. cedar masterpiece that leaves nothing to imagination down. The Lodge epitomizes the perfect union between restrained elegance and function. Walking into the Living Room with its towering vaulted ceilings and its immense three cornered fireplace is reminiscent of entering a chalet in the Alps. The level of craftsmanship resonates throughout the Lodge. The chef’s kitchen is designed to accommodate the crowds the Ranch attracts while the three en suite bedrooms, impresses yet do not overwhelm their surroundings. Opening the Lodge’s rear door one is met by the sight of a garden oasis with the sound of falling water and a Pavilion replete with an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and an entertainment area complete with theater. It’s not hard to imagine why the Pavilion has been the focal point of gatherings in years past. On the far side of the Pavilion and opposite the Lodge sits the Game Room. Done in the same stylistic manner as the Lodge, the Game Room plays host to currents owner’s office as well as serves as an additional entertainment venue. On a hill above the Lodge, but hidden from its view, is the Ranch’s Guest House. The Guest House was built anew using the timbers from the original homestead that was systematically dismantled and moved to this site and modernized to its new self. The Guest House exudes a rustic allure with its cedar interior, wood stove and cozy yet ample great room. From its spacious deck the house has commanding views to the west serving as the perfect perch to enjoy an evening sundowner as the sun sets on the Eel River Basin. Immediately behind the Guest House is the fenced vegetable and herb plot. Operations on the Ranch are supported by the Ranch Workshop and the Barn. Besides these buildings there are numerous outbuildings serving various purposes. On the far end of the Ranch is a professionally set up rifle range for the long distant marksman. The Ranch encompasses approximately 121 acres of diverse topography ranging from the manicured grounds around the Lodge to beautiful mountain meadows to deep timber draws. There are miles of maintained roads and trails that meander throughout this well planned out retreat. Without a doubt the crown jewel of the Ranch is the Lookout above the Eel River with its jaw dropping views extending over this magnificent river in both directions. From the Lookout it is just a few minutes stroll down to the Ranch’s own private beach with its deep pools spiraling around giant rock outcroppings. Besides the Eel River there are a number of other water attributes including 2 ponds, numerous seasonal creeks and a multitude of springs. The Ranch is a literal wildlife sanctuary with Blacktail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Wild Hog and numerous upland bird species occupying the land while Steelhead, Trout and Bass teem in the river and ponds. It’s hard to comprehend the Ranch without giving credence to the effort that has been invested to make this a truly a self sufficient enterprise though not wanting for comfort because of it. A reliable system of gravity fed spring water is stored and distributed throughout, while an updated solar system with an ample battery bank and a backup generator serves all the Ranch’s electrical demands. Wood sourced from the property provides the bulk of the heating demands. The current owners have over the years maintained a vegetable and herb garden. There is certainly potential to greatly expand the food supply side of the equation.