Emma and Ludwig Orth left Germany with their young son, Richard, at the turn of the century with a dream, a dream of land in California. They realized their dream with a homestead in the hills outside of Calistoga in 1913. Grandpa had to take the train into San Francisco to work, leaving Grandma and young daughter Emmy in a log cabin in the canyon. But soon their friends from the Bay Area came to visit, to soak in the natural mineral spring in the canyon and hike in the redwoods. Grandma and Grandpa bought cots and tents for their friends and Mountain Home Ranch Resort was born.

The Ranch expanded out of the canyon when Grandma and Grandpa bought the Franz farm. Emmy grew up and took over the operation of the resort with her husband Bob Fouts, all the while raising eight children. When you visit you can meet John and Suzanne, third generation family members, who continue to share the land with others. They have been busy over the last ten years, caring for the property, and expanding the hiking trails and garden beds. By 2010 their dream is to be growing most of what they serve to the guests naturally.