Chateau du Sureau

White walls and terracotta rooftops rise above Italian cypresses in the California foothills, and the illusion of a European castle holds up the moment you step through the heavy wooden door. This small, Forbes Four Star inn sits on nine acres with manicured gardens, a pool, fountains, and a life-sized chessboard where a butler will materialize with elderberry iced tea before you've made your first move.