The Richland, Orange County’s newest boutique hotel and event space, officially opens its doors in the City of Orange, California. Situated in the heart of the historic Old Towne district and plaza, this property features just 12 guest rooms and suites, an intimate living room lounge and bar, as well as a ballroom with indoor/outdoor gathering spaces for events of up to 150 guests.
The Richland joins the 24 Carrots Collective – a group of exclusive event and hospitality spaces in Orange County operated by 24 Carrots Catering & Events. This opening marks the brand’s first foray into the hotel hospitality sector and positions 24 Carrots as the only catering company in Southern California to offer an exclusive hotel venue experience.
The company tasked SoCal-based designer Raili Clasen of RailiCA Design with applying their design vision to this historic property. The buildings, originally constructed as a private residence, feature two early-20th-century structures reflecting the architectural styles of classic California Craftsman mixed with San Franciscan-Victorian.
The central design mission was to retain the property’s architectural integrity while modernizing it to reflect the changing cultures and tastes of today’s thriving, historically-minded community. Stripping the exterior facades to reveal original wood shingles and lap siding, as well as uncovering a picturesque bay window, instantly infused the spaces with new energy and light.
Arriving guests will find a main entry with a mature olive tree leading to a gable-roofed front porch and jasmine vine-covered pergolas. The interiors were reimagined to reflect the look and feel of a modern-day Member’s Club, with dark wood paneled-walls, soft leather sofas, and a warm color scheme of rich olive greens, sages, and mustard yellows throughout.
Situated within and around the two-story main house are the 12 guest rooms and suites. Each offers a unique layout and design, meaning no two are alike, and features curated selections of stained Red Oak craftsman furniture, original wood flooring, handwoven rugs, and patterned wallpaper ceilings. The bathrooms include Watermark-designed aged brass fixtures and custom tile with color palette combinations of greens, blues, beiges, and terra cotta.
The Attic Suite is tucked away atop the main house with sloped ceilings, cozy nooks, and windows overlooking the tree-lined streets below. Additionally, the standalone two-bedroom cottage is ideal for anyone seeking privacy and offers a design which vibes more coastal California with white walls, pops of color, and an abundance of natural light.
At the heart of the hotel is the Living Room Bar and Lounge with citrus grove wallpaper, custom Sean Woolsey-designed barstools, and decorative elements sourced from the many antique stores dotting the neighboring plaza. Guests enjoy crafted cocktails, local Chapman Crafted Beer selections, and a menu of seasonal small plate items from the culinary team at 24 Carrots.
The Estelle Ballroom is a 150-person venue for weddings, events, and special occasions. Named after Hattie Estelle, one of the first brides to be married on the premises in 1914, the ballroom has exposed wood beam ceilings, polished concrete floors, and a cascade of tiered chandeliers. The ballroom includes a “Getting Ready” suite above the ballroom, which is accessed via a private staircase adorned with specially-designed tiles through a collaboration with Concrete Collaborative.
