Day Tripping: Kimberly Crest
Woman in the Middle | November 9, 2012Last Sunday Hubby and I took advantage of the nice weather and made a short trip to a place I have been wanting to visit for years. It is a lovely old mansion called Kimberly Crest in nearby Redlands, California. The house was built in 1897 in a French Chateau style. It was purchased by one of the founders of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation in 1905. One of the family’s daughters lived in the house until 1979. When she died that year the house was given to the Kimberly-Shirk Association for the people of Redlands.
The Kimberlys installed an Italian style garden, terracing the slope in front of the house. It is very lovely.
The house itself is amazing, especially from the outside. You don’t see many French chateaus in my area, especially ones that are over 100 years old!
I think the photo below shows off the home’s beauty the best of all the photos that I took.
Hubby and I took the tour, which is $10 for adults. The tours start every half an hour. The house and gardens are open to the public on Thursday, Friday and Sunday from one until four pm. The inside of the house is filled with virtually all of the original furnishings. The decorative hard wood floors on the ground floor were particularly beautiful. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the house or I would show them to you! The tour took us to both the first and second floors. The house has a third floor but we didn’t go there on the tour. At Christmas time they decorate the house with many Christmas trees. I feel like going back to see it then. It must be beautiful!
Please note: If you are going to Kimberly Crest and have mobility issues, there are many steps from the parking lot to the house. Passengers can be dropped off near the house and the car returned to the parking lot.
I have never seen a French chateau so I love these photos and I would also love to take a tour through such a home………….so lucky you…………..
Yes, it has only taken my entire adult life to drive 25 minutes to see this place! I guess I was busy….lol!
That sounds like a wonderful place to stop and see. We’ll keep it in mind the next time we go to CA.
I love going to see the things that are a little off the beaten path.
One of my friends recommended that we go on a tour of it when we get a chance. Since it’s in my own backyard, I should take her up on that offer.
It was very pretty. And, as you said, it is close by!
I work for Kimberly Crest and I am so happy you enjoyed your tour. If you would like to see the house decorated for Christmas we will be having a Christmas Tree Lighting this Sunday December 2nd at 6:00 p.m. It is open to the public and free to attend. Afterward there will be cookies and cider as well as stories for the children. The bottom floor of the house will be open for a $5 donation.
Hope to see you there!
-Amanda, Marketing and Events Director, Kimberly Crest House & Gardens