Where sea mist tangles with the scent of roses and dramatic cliffs surrender to the Pacific, a white Victorian stands with quiet pride. The MacCallum House is more than architecture—it’s a living memory etched into Mendocino’s history. Built in 1882 as a wedding gift from William Kelley to his daughter Daisy MacCallum, the home has weathered time and tide, transforming from cherished family residence into one of Northern California’s most beloved boutique inns.
Born Emma Shirley Kelley in 1859, Daisy was a woman ahead of her time. Educated, adventurous, and endlessly charming, she married her father’s bookkeeper, Alexander MacCallum, at age 20 and began cultivating a life rich in beauty and intellect. After the 1906 earthquake, Daisy had the house moved to its current location, where she continued to host artists and thinkers. Well into her nineties, she could be found in the garden with a rake in one hand and a cane in the other, tending to the thousands of roses she planted across the property. Today, those blooms still flourish—a fragrant tribute to the woman who transformed a wedding gift into a sanctuary of beauty, intellect, and enduring charm.
With its white gables, wraparound porch, and rose-lined pathways, the MacCallum House radiates Victorian elegance softened by coastal ease. Lush gardens spill across expansive lawns, and the scent of salt air mingles with blooming heritage roses. The architecture speaks to a bygone era—sleigh beds framed by tall sash windows, clawfoot tubs tucked beneath sloped ceilings, and beckoning ocean views. It’s a place where history lingers in the woodwork, and the atmosphere hums with the quiet rhythm of Mendocino life.
Accommodations at the MacCallum House reflect a thoughtful blend of historic charm and modern comfort. In the Main House, six rooms offer unique features like wrought-iron beds, garden views, and walls paneled in old-growth redwood. Plush chairs, antique furnishings, and curated curios lend each space a sense of lived-in elegance, while soft robes and modern conveniences ensure guests feel pampered.
Surrounding the historic Main House, seven distinctive cottages offer guests a private, pet-friendly retreat steeped in Mendocino charm. Each cottage is thoughtfully designed with luxurious bedding, down duvets, and inviting outdoor spaces—many featuring private yards, fireplaces, and hot tubs. From the whimsical Gazebo Playhouse with its pagoda-style roof and detached redwood bath, to the restored three-story Watertower Suite with panoramic bay views and a working redwood tank, every space tells a story. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy intimacy of the Redwood Cottage, the spacious elegance of the Carriage House, or the bright accessibility of the Greenhouse Cottage, each retreat blends rustic character with modern comfort.
The Historic Barn at MacCallum House blends rustic elegance with coastal luxury, offering beautifully restored, pet-friendly rooms that feature river-stone fireplaces, private decks, ocean views, and spa-inspired amenities like hot tubs and saunas. Each room is uniquely appointed with luxurious bedding, down duvets, and Shikai bath products. The William Otis Kelly room showcases exposed old-growth redwood beams, a grand fireplace, and a private deck with a hot tub. The North Barn offers cozy comfort with a California king bed, gas fireplace, and private hot tub. The Jennie Blair charms with views of the garden, main house, and Mendocino Bay, framed by vintage beams and a walk-up tiled shower. The Barn Studio, the property’s most lavish retreat, features 1880s redwood doors, a four-person hot tub, dry sauna, and an oversized two-headed shower. The Upper Barn invites guests to unwind beside a river-stone fireplace or on the ocean-view deck, while the Upper Barn Suite elevates the experience with soaring ceilings, a sitting area, and a panoramic view from the former hayloft door—now a stunning window.
Just four blocks from the Main House, the MacCallum Suites offer a secluded yet luxurious escape overlooking the village and Mendocino Bay. Tucked in beside one of the town’s historic graveyards, this elegant mansion features pet-friendly suites with gas fireplaces, jetted spa tubs, private decks, and hot tubs—many with sweeping ocean or garden views. From the romantic Honeymoon Suite with its four-poster king bed and claw-foot tub, to the Spa Suite’s private deck, three-person hot tub, and in-room sauna, each space is thoughtfully designed for comfort and indulgence. For families and small gatherings, the Jedediah Smith Residence provides a fully remodeled farmhouse experience with a chef’s kitchen, sectional living area, and private gated hot tub—perfect for reconnecting in style.
Dining at MacCallum House is more than a meal—it’s a sensory journey through Mendocino’s coastal bounty. Executive Chef Alan Kantor, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, transforms wild mushrooms, huckleberries, fresh-caught seafood, and local greens into dishes that are both grounded and elevated. His commitment to organic, seasonal ingredients is matched by a playful creativity—olive oil flights, purveyors’ maps, and a five-course tasting menu that reads like a love letter to the North Coast. With wines sourced from Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma, each plate and pour reflects the region’s richness and rhythm.
For a more relaxed vibe, the Grey Whale Bar and Cafe offers garden-garnished cocktails, a full dinner menu, and a welcoming atmosphere where locals and travelers mingle with ease. Whether you’re sipping a herb-infused gin or savoring a seasonal entrée under twinkling lights, the experience is casual yet curated. Whichever dining experience you opt for at MacCallum House, you can count on the conversations stretching long, laughter spilling into the night, and every bite telling a story.
Just steps away, Mendocino’s storybook streets invite exploration. Restored homes line the village, housing art galleries, boutique shops, and live theater. Guests receive a 10% discount at My Chic Farmhouse, a stylish store located in the apple shed on the main property. Scenic beaches and rugged cliffs offer breathtaking views and quiet moments of reflection.
From garden-garnished cocktails to tasting menus that celebrate the North Coast’s bounty, MacCallum House invites guests to savor Mendocino in every sense. But the experience doesn’t end at the table. With charming rooms, ocean views, and a historic setting in the heart of town, staying at MacCallum House feels like stepping into a coastal reverie. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a culinary escape, or a weekend of wine and waves, you’ll find it all here. Learn more or book your stay at maccallumhouse.com.
