Issue #9: A Christmas Cacophony at the Madonna Inn
My annual trip to the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, five homes that stretch your housing dollar, and fun Bay Area happenings.
The Silvert Lining is a place where I talk about real estate, cool homes for sale, things I’m looking forward to, and how I’ve been spending my time. In addition to this newsletter, I also post regularly on Instagram. You can follow me at Dan Silvert Homes.
I partake in one and only one Christmas tradition: Boxing Day at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. The iconic pink hotel was founded in 1958 by the Madonna family. Each year the already kitschy destination is decorated for Christmas in a style that can best be described as “extra.”
The hotel has 110 guest rooms and each is individually themed. One year I stayed in the Daisy Mae; the room is entirely constructed of enormous rocks found on the 1,000 acre property. I thought it would be an idiosyncratic experience to spend the night in a “rock cave”, but it was more like sleeping in a Neanderthal’s den with literal waterfalls for the sink and shower. I did spill coffee on the floor and cleaning it up was easy given the floor is made of rock. I stayed in the Dez (as in “Ren-Dez-Vous”) the next year and was pleased with the absence of rocks. This year I reserved the Sweepstakes and have high hopes.
An important part of my annual trip is dinner at the Gold Rush Steak House. The steak house is known for their oak-pit barbecued steak and expansive dessert menu. I like to start the evening with drinks at the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge before I head to the steak house to feast on multiple courses always saving room for pie for dessert.
Hearst Castle is an hour north of the Madonna Inn. Last year I took the Grand Rooms tour, and this year I booked the Designing the Dream tour. Hearst Castle is also decorated for Christmas in a manner fitting its grandiose decor.
I usually have leftover pizza from Woodstock’s Pizza downtown San Luis Obispo on my drive home. If cold pizza is not your ideal meal, I also enjoy the Sow’s Ear, Sea Chest, and Linn’s in Cambria.
Last week I focused on cute houses that are listed for under one million dollars. This week I decided to take it one step further and find great Bay Area homes listed for under $800,000. I was excited by the inventory at that lower price point!
Let me know if you are looking for a new home, and I can create a customized search based on your wants and needs that will email you homes that meet your search criteria. You can schedule time with me to discuss your search for a new home or selling your current home by emailing me at DanSilvertHomes@gmail.com. DRE #01963734
We are just over one week away from Christmas and Hanukkah and I have a few fun plans I’m looking forward to:
I will be playing in the inaugural Chabot Legends of the Chains Challenge on December 28 at Chabot Park Disc Golf. The event starts at 10 AM. Let me know if you want to participate.
Singer-songwriter (and Substack author) Chuck Prophet is playing a show at the Chapel in San Francisco on December 28.
The Bull Valley Roadhouse in Port Costa is hosting a special dinner on January 1 to celebrate the final night of Hanukkah.
The Silvert Lining will be on hiatus until January 14, 2025. See you next year!
How did I miss this one???? I adore the Madonna Inn and loved your description…
Great house selection this time, too…..
Happy Holidays Dan - I enjoy reading The Silvert Lining!