Happy Birthday to the most beautiful, wonderful, loving, kind and one of a kind woman, mamusichka! I always want to do something special for her birthday to show her how much we all appreciate her and all that she does for us. This year was a little different, as we were going to be out of town for the weekend, so I have decided to take her to a place where I have been planning on taking her for the last three years, the Grand Island Mansion. Somehow I just knew she would love that place and indeed she did. If you are wondering what type of a place this is…
“The delta’s historic Grand Island Mansion is a uniquely spectacular Italian Renaissance style villa. The Mansion is the largest private estate in northern California, and embodies the finest features of classical architecture and European craftsmanship.The four-story, 24,000 square foot 58 room villa is centrally located on Grand Island in the lush delta region east of the San Francisco Bay.
The mansion was designed by J. W. Dolliver, the renowned San Francisco architect, in 1917 for Louis Meyers, a native of San Francisco, and his wife, Audrey, daughter of Lubin of the Weinstock Lubin department stores.
Louis Meyers, an Orchardist, built the house as the centerpiece of his Orchard Empire and as a place to entertain his society guests who arrived by riverboat, such as author Erle Stanley Gardiner.
The Grand Island Mansion has recently undergone extensive restoration under the direction of Terrence Black, great-nephew of the original architect, making the private estate the premier facility for weddings, receptions, corporate retreats, business conferences and private events. Immediate plans for the future include full spa services in the elegant style of a bygone era.
Guests can entertain in the private English Hunt lounge and bar, overlooking the spacious interior courtyard Colonnade room with fountains, vaulted ceiling and Moorish arches. The historic house was built by the finest craftsmen from Europe and has five marble fireplaces, inlaid parquet flooring, rare handmade tile work throughout, imported wood paneling, luxurious period furnishings and authentic artwork. Other amenities include a heliport, tennis court, basketball court, private docks and classical Italian gardens.
The Mansion has been featured in such publications as National Geographic, Sunset Magazine, Architectural Digest, Victoria’s Secret Catalog, and Macy’s Furniture Catalog.
The Mansion and grounds are open for public viewing and dining during the famous Sunday Champagne Brunch, served 10:30 to 2:00, with reservations or by appointment.
The friendly professional staff is directed by Sandras Clark, an English hotelier who combines European tradition with a flexible creative approach to stress free event planning and coordinating, emphasizing personal service with a variety of packages, tailored to your special needs.
We had a very lovely Champagne brunch there, and I tried my very first Mimosa which was absolutely delicious. I am thinking of potentially making it a tradition, but time will show. I absolutely loved celebrating my best friend and the best mama that God could bless me with.
We also had a little get together at our home, which included our little bundles of joy, Bella and Joshy 🙂 Happy Birthday to the best Nana!!! We all love you very, very much!
