"A century-old Sonoma ranch is reborn as a luxury inn and spa."
Country Inns Magazine, The Best Inn Spas
he
property and buildings which comprise 29 E. MacArthur Street have a long and distinguished
place in local history.
Located in the middle of Sonoma, the former Burris-Good estate is comprised of
beautiful gardens, majestic old trees, and historic architecture. The two-story
Victorian house which dominates the property, was built in the 1850s and is reported
to be one of the oldest Victorian homes in Sonoma.
It
was owned by David Burris, a prominent Missouri farmer and landowner.
The house was constructed using wooden pegs and square nails (still
fronted by the original white picket fence) and was home for his
family of nine children. Burris also founded Sonoma Valley Bank,
conducting business out of the homes corner library on the
first floor.
The property originally embraced more than 300 acres and was a working ranch with
vineyards, fruit orchards, a hay crop, cattle and many prized and well-trained
trotters used for tranportation in this horse and buggy era.
Five generations of the Burris family
occupied the property, which was known for gracious hospitality
and gala events. The estate remained in the Burris family until
1971 when Howard and Jane Good
purchased it from Anna Burris Welch. The Good family enhanced
the gardens and maintained the estate for 26 years when in 1997,
Suzanne Brangham
contracted with the Goods to create a luxurious country inn. A
change in the General Plan and the addition of new cottages matching
the original architecture was unanimously approved by the Sonoma
Planning commission.
The
property has been reborn as a 64-room hotel with a state-of-the-art conference
facility, restaurant and full-service spa.
Along with maintaining the original architecture
on the buildings, and replicating its charm with new cottages, the beautifully
planned landscaping offers lush plantings, mature trees, rose gardens, a pool
and spa sanctuary, a fish pond, water fountains and more than 30 original sculptures.
Nathanson Creek winds along the western side of the property creating a beautiful
backdrop for visiting guests.
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