Querencia, Mike and Mary Jo MacFarlane’s distinctive inn located in the appealing town of Murphys, certainly lives up to its name. Although there’s no direct translation for the Spanish word querencia, it usually refers to a place of sanctuary or safe haven. High on a ridgeline in the Gold Country’s Sierra foothills, the inn overlooks mountains and vineyards, a panorama that not only amazes guests, but still woos the MacFarlanes, too. “I love the view, having a 360 view,” said Mary Jo when Querencia was featured on HGTV’s Dream Builders. “It feels as if we’re on a trip…we’re on a romantic getaway.”
The inn’s architecture has dramatic contemporary touches, such as curving walls bracketing the entrance that make you feel like you’re entering a secret hideaway. The interior features extensive stonework, including an elaborate fireplace and a water wall that resembles a lush grotto. Decorated with romantic, traditional furnishings, the four guest rooms are in a separate building. Two choices offer spacious circular showers with mosaic tiles depicting local scenes, while a soak in the Platinum Suite’s whirlpool tub reveals a peekaboo view of nearby Blue Mountain. Surprise your love and arrange a candlelit dinner in Querencia’s wine cellar, or take advantage of the inn’s remote location and ultra-dark night sky to make a wish on a shooting star.
