Veering off the highway that had been full of Redwood trees we had enjoyed touring, we crossed a creek, drove through dairy farms, then arrived in the late 19th century town of Ferndale…which continues to ooze Victorian charm.
VICTORIAN TOWN WITH A PREMIER VICTORIAN INN
Arriving in the early evening, we drove past many Victorian homes and storefronts, then arrived at the crown jewel of the town…the stunning Victorian Inn set against the hills.
Built in the Italianate style in 1890 of sturdy Redwood trees, the inn was completed a year later, ready to withstand inevitable earthquakes…three of the largest ones struck in 1992, causing little damage.
Along the street were horse head hitching posts…
19TH CENTURY BUSINESSES IN THE VICTORIAN INN
On the first floor, a bank and a newspaper operated.
Those windows were the tellers windows for the bank, while underneath the floor near the tables was the bank vault, which can be felt today.
If one stomps at a different section of the floor, the sound is hollow as opposed to solid near the tables.
My hubby theorized the large doorway, now closed in and containing the painting near the hostess stand, was the doorway to access the bank vault.
In the opposite section of the room, now holding a grand piano donated by a famed jazz musician, held the newspaper office.
The doorway on the far left…
…opens to this comfortable seating. Meanwhile opposite those windows…
…is this door that originally held a bank, and more recently a jewelry store.
Earlier this year the owners of the jewelry store retired after many years, and a tavern restaurant has recently opened.
GRAND 19TH CENTURY ROOMS FOR THE VICTORIAN INN
Up the grand staircase, the second floor contained 33 rooms and suites for overnight lodging, complete with fireplaces, bathrooms, and water closets.
Today that room on the left is for guests to relax, store any food in the refrigerator, make hot drinks, use the microwave, etc.
On top of the roof a cistern filled up from the frequent rains, which would then be piped down to the bathrooms for bathing.
Of all the inns and Bed and Breakfasts I’ve stayed, the Victorian Inn has the loveliest rooms.
We stayed in one of my favorite of the rooms, the Ellis Room, with views of Main Street.
While the walls had lovely moldings, the ceiling must have been 12-15′ high.
After learning lots about the inn’s history from the friendly staff the next morning, we toured the town. Stay tuned!
