All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
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1997 Jan's Journeys West Coast Roadtrip! Wed. afternoon 9/17/97 thru
Fri. morning 9/19/97 Thur. 9/18/97
We’re now at the Gingerbread Mansion Inn, a confectionery Victorian
treat in
When we reluctantly leave the Gingerbread Mansion tomorrow, we're headed home for a 2-day stopover; when we check in again, it will be from Cambria on the central California coastline. Hope you'll join us there!
>>Next Stop -- The Blue Whale Inn, Cambria, CA
Copyright © 1997 - 2008: Jan Hight
Published -- September 18, 1997 |
charming
Ferndale, CA. The Mansion was built in 1899 as the home of Dr. Hogan Ring; in the 1920s he
converted it into a hospital, which became insolvent after 3 years. The dear "painted
lady" spent the next several decades in various incarnations: American Legion Hall, a
rest home, doctors’ office, apartment building, total abandonment (the poor old
darling wasn’t treated with the respect she deserved during all of these
transitions!). In the 1960s the neglected building was restored and converted to a
residence in front and apartments in back. In 1981 Ken Torbert purchased the property and
spent many loving hours on reconstruction (gutting it, in fact) and renovations to return
the dowager to her grand origins; the B&B was opened in 1983. 
You’ve most
likely seen pictures of the Gingerbread Mansion since it’s been widely photographed.
The building is a combination of Queen Anne and Eastlake styles, and the intricate
trimwork makes its name totally fitting (what an ornate gingerbread house it is!!). The
formal English gardens which ornament the Inn add to its enchanting appeal. We’ve
been amazed while staying here at how many people stop, take photos and ring the doorbell
to request brochures or a tour (which Ken and his staff kindly offer, during certain hours
of the afternoon so as not to disturb guests)...the B&B is just that eye-catching!
It’s become quite famous, and not just in California; in the past 10 days there have
been guests from 13 countries!
There are 10 distinctive rooms, all with private baths (thanks to Ken’s
thoughtful remodeling), and each suite is uniquely furnished with 
whimsical embellishments.
There are no TVs or phones to intrude on guests’ escape from reality, but there are
phones available in the 2nd floor hallway and in one of the downstairs parlors.
We have the Fountain Suite, which has a sunny, 2nd floor front corner location
with views of Ferndale from the bay window and side window views of the marvelous
garden...including the fountain, which gurgled a soothing melody as we went to sleep. The
bedroom features a bonnet-canopied queen bed and comfortably-arranged chairs in which to
read, relax -- or write Roadtrip entries! The bath is as large as the bedroom and
contains, in addition to the usual fixtures, a delicately tiled fireplace in front of a
"fainting couch" and two side-by-side clawfoot tubs...for dueling bubble baths!
The
most sumptuous guestroom is the Empire Suite, which covers all of the 3rd floor
and has a seemingly endless procession of nooks and niches sheltering sitting and dining
areas, wet bar, fireplaces in both the spacious bath room and in the living area...a photo
really can’t do it justice; you have to see it!! We heard that a marriage
proposal was to take place last night in that haven...what a perfect spot for such a
romantic event! All of the suites are perfectly appointed, though; you can’t go wrong
with any of them!!
There are 4
inviting guest parlors downstairs with books, magazines, board games, and cozy sitting
areas from which to enjoy the glow of a fireplace. High Tea is served in the afternoon: a
generous array of tea (or coffee), cakes, pastries, petit fours, candies, fruits and more.
Breakfast is served in the elegant dining room, and is just as delectable as one would
expect given the attention to detail obvious in every area of the Inn. 
One of those "little
details" that I really appreciate is the fact that our suite was cleaned while we
were enjoying breakfast (and lingering over conversations with the other
guests)...it’s really nice to have the room serviced so early and to be able to
return anytime during the day without walking in on housekeeping. In a similar gesture,
evening turndown (and my favorite travel friend, the chocolate-bearing elf) is completed
while guests are away for dinner...if the staff hasn’t made dinner reservations for
you themselves, they’ll ask when you’re going out so the evening service can be
scheduled during your absence. 
The tiny, engaging town of Ferndale was founded in 1852 by Scandinavian
settlers, which were followed by Portuguese and various European immigrants. Known as the
Victorian Village, Ferndale’s downtown has changed very little since the 1890s; in
fact, the entire community is a State Historical Landmark, and Main Street is on the
National Historic Register. 
The
streetscape may look familiar to you...it’s been used in movies and TV productions.
Besides all of the well-preserved Victorian buildings, Ferndale is notable for being the
western-most city in the Continental U.S. There’s a fascinating old hillside
cemetery; the markers tell the story of the original pioneers, and there are town and
ocean views from the uppermost levels.
Today we
followed Ken’s advice and took a scenic drive to the "Lost Coast", so-named
due to its remoteness. Cape Mendocino, with its turbulent water and rocky outcroppings, is
a hauntingly beautiful and mostly deserted piece of 
California’s Pacific
coastline (as I said..remote!). Following the loop back to the highway we drove through
Humboldt Redwoods State Park and gazed in complete awe at those magnificent specimens. As
one guidebook stated, this is the largest remaining stand of ancient Redwoods in the
world, including the oldest recorded coastal Redwood...over 2,200 years old! The route
continues on to the "Avenue of the Giants", with its easily accessible groves of
these immense trees. There are many other excursions in the area surrounding Ferndale; all
provide memorable glimpses of Northern California’s wide variety of natural grandeur.
Ken
and his staff are eager to assist with recommendations and reservations for dinner,
information on area activities and sightseeing trips...or to simply pamper their guests in
any way possible. If you’d like to make this very special Victorian your home for a
few days, call Ken or his assistants at 800-952-4136; send an e-mail to 
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