The Hope-Merrill House in Geyserville, Sonoma County, United States | Inn

The Hope-Merrill House, a vintage Victorian turn-of-the century Inn welcomes travelers in grand style to the California wine country. The Hope-Merrill House is a striking example of the 19th Century Eastlake Stick Style Victorian architecture popular between 1870 and 1885. The home is noted for its major architectural, cultural and historical significance and is now listed in Sonoma County Landmarks Register. J. P. Merrill and his wife, Martha, settled in Geyserville over a hundred years ago and J. P. became active as a land developer. The North end of town, where the home is situated, is identified on old land maps as "the Merrill addition to Geyserville."

County Homes magazine featured The Hope-Merrill House in August, 1985 and states the restoration of the Hope's "has yielded a grand Victorian lady poised amid Northern California vineyards." A highlight of the interior is the original Lincrusta-Walton wainscoting found in the downstairs entrance and upstairs hallway. ("Lincrusta," originally composed of wood fibers and various chemicals, became the rage in the 1880's when a decorator got a novel idea of embossing floor linoleum and putting it on walls). The house, built entirely of redwood, has the original quarter-sawn oak graining on all doors and woodwork, the work of master craftsmen of the period.

The stunning silk-screened wallpapers of designer Bruce Bradbury lighten the house and a variety of bold, striking motifs accent each room.

The dining room is where guests gather for a 5 course country breakfast featuring juice, homemade bread and pastries, fresh local fruits, egg dishes, jams and jellies.