Following a renovation in recognition of its 100-year anniversary, the Winnedumah Hotel in Independence, Calif., is slated to reopen in September.
The 24-room boutique hotel—located at the convergence of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mojave Desert and Great Basin—has been redesigned to blend the past and present.
The property—which was originally built in 1925 by Walter Dow as a retreat for members of the film industry—was acquired by Los Angeles-based Black Walnut Partners. “Our vision for Winnedumah is to create an authentic and immersive experience that honors the hotel’s rich history while offering a refined, design-forward stay for today’s travelers," Coty Hastie of Black Walnut Partners, said in a statement. "By thoughtfully weaving historic elements with contemporary design and collaborating with esteemed partners like Suay, In Common With, and DUSK, we’re excited to breathe new life into this storied landmark.”
Historic Charm
Winnedumah Hotel is located along Highway 395 en route to Mammoth Lakes. Its location targets travelers exploring Mount Whitney and the landscapes of the Eastern Sierra region. The hotel’s repositioning is inspired from WPA-era National Park lodges, Shaker simplicity and Japanese minimalism. The landmark property has been reimagined through a rustic California lens while carefully preserving its historic character and architectural details, according to the company.
The Grand Lobby has 16-foot ceilings and a native stone fireplace, an outdoor patio with views of Mount Williamson, a curated retail selection and a dining room that doubles as a flexible meeting space.
Honoring its 100-year history, several original furnishings—such as writing desks, luggage racks, chairs and mirrors—have been refinished.