Last night, a fire broke out at the historical Brookdale Lodge in the San Lorenzo Valley of the Santa Cruz Mtns. Fortunately, crews were still on hand for the Lockheed Fire. It did not destroy the Lodge or the Restaurant, but was confined to the apts. in the back where staff lived. I love that place, although it has seen better days. I’ve always described her as a grand old dame. I have stayed there a number of times, always enjoying the locals bar and the restaurant. In the article below, it says a new owner took over in 2007. I have not been there in the last few years, so perhaps his intention to restore her has brought back some of her former glory. The history of the place is fascinating, and the creek running through the Bavarian-like Restaurant is sweet.
The article, including photographs, in the Santa Cruz Sentinel can be found here: Brookdale Lodge Fire Article
Here is just one of the Sentinel photographs:
You might wonder why I am reporting on this. I consider SLO and SC my neighbors. I have a love of old historical buildings, like the Brookdale Lodge. I love that place. That’s three reasons.
Hi Kate….just checked into your site as I am coming up to Deetjans and the Hermitage in the middle of September. I was reading down your site as I have not been on since June when I was supposed to come up…..car accident prevented it. Brookdale Lodge…I was interested in it because I was thinking of going to my brother’s house in San Fran. It is now newly owned and I found on Wikipedia that it is now called the Brookdale Inn and Spa, with their web site brookdaleinnandspa.com..I believe. Wikipedia has all the info on it. I really want to go there sometime. Fun. Wow, you have your hands full up on the ridge and I see from the pictures of the idiots outside your home that this is a dangerous scene. One of our big fires in San Diego, either 2003 0r 2007 was started this way in one of the spots. Several fires all grew together. I’m following the weather. It was perfect during the time I was originally supposed to go. Keeping my fingers crossed. Have you had anymore photo showings. I guess I should read the whole blog. Susan