Meet Randi Knott | Owner/Innkeeper -Retired Lobbyist and Public Administrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Randi Knott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randi, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As a woman in her 50’s who had worked on legislation that created the legal cannabis system in California, I found it crazy that I could go to a beautiful winery and get a smashed as I chose (which I don’t because I hardly ever drink) but if I wanted to consume cannabis, I was stuck out in a parking lot! I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy their experiences-including cannabis-in a beautiful setting. I also realized that empty nesters and Millenials travel with their furbabies far more than actual human children so I came up with a canine and cannabis-friendly escape-Hermosa House, After 25 years in and around government, I finally decided to do what I love-decorate, host, teach and inspire. I also lost my sister to a lifetime and drug and alcohol abuse and want to let people know that there are alternatives to the addictive pharmaceuticals they give you for every ache and pain that arises in middle age. There is a better way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hermosa House Bud & Breakfast is a Canine & Cannabis Friendly Escape located in the heart of Apple Hill between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. In addition to the beautiful house, chef’s kitchen, double decor wrap-around porches, and the incredible Master Suites, we offer special services and events geared towards the guests’ interests. Approximately one-third of our guests attend for a retreat or special event including Guided Meditation, Private Chef, Sound Healing, Yoga, Massage, and Cannabis Tastings; one-third of our guests are brides and their bridal parties who are getting married at local wineries and want a beautiful place for their rehearsal dinner, photos of the bride getting ready and, of course, somewhere beautiful to return to on their wedding night. Lastly, we get reservations from families who want to travel with their pets-visit Apple Hill or go skiing and have a place to come back to.

Hermosa House is located on 5 acres on the West Slope of the Sierras and includes the B&B as well as my cottage. I had recently lost my parents so I sold my childhood home in New York that my Dad had purchased for $59,000 in 1979 and my home of 15 years in Sacramento as my child was off to college and bought the property outright. I got lucky as I got in just before the real estate explosion of the pandemic. The biggest challenges? The massive forest fire known as the Caldor Fire had us evacuated for 3 weeks last summer and thanks to PG&E, we lost power from December 26-January 2nd forcing us to cancel many reservations. At the end of the day, Hermosa House was still standing. Even if it wasn’t, that’s why we have insurance. At the end of the day, it’s just stuff. What couldn’t be replaced was the amazing energy people feel when they walk in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have Crohn’s Disease-I’m a hermit. There is no doubt that given the beauty of Hermosa House, my friends always come here for a great time.

While here, they should check out the El Dorado Wine Trail, Historic Downtown Placerville, Apple Hill and, unexpectedly in El Dorado County-the Best Sushi ever at Shilla Sushi.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I must admit that I never had an entrepreneurial bone in my body. Both of my first-generation American parents were business owners and I had no interest in doing that. I wanted to make public policy for the greater good. As I got older, I realized that changing lives a few at a time was at times more satisfying than attempting sweeping policy changes. I had joked with my best friend of 20 years that someday I would open a Bud & Breakfast and people could bring their doggies and I could be the ultimate Jewish Mom to my guests. Part of that dream was connected to an old relationship and I had let it go because I ‘couldn’t possibly do it on my own’. She asked why. I gave her a laundry list of everything I would need to make this happen. The next day, she found this property and it checked every box. I could never have done this without her. I love you Tracey Schaal. I ‘d be remiss if I don’t also credit the wonderful next generation of women that I worked with in the Cannabis Industry who were true pioneers and mentors. Thank you too to Sunny Welch, MIndy Galloway, and Michelle Doherty for being my cheering section.

Website: www.hermosahousebnb.com

Instagram: @hermosahousebnb

Facebook: @hermosahousebnb

Image Credits
Katherine Robbins