Cambria’s Olallieberry Inn – Our History
Have you ever wondered about the History of the Olallieberry Inn? Just in case you did…We thought we would share our story……
The History of Cambria’s oldest Boutique Hotel… This Magnificent Greek Revival Home at 2476 Main Street was built in 1865 by the Manderscheid brothers. Prominent Businessmen who owned the first local Drug Store.
The home is built from Cambria pine and beautiful Redwood sourced from trees in Big Sur. Milled by the local Leffingwell Saw Mill.
In 1883, the home was purchased by Benjamin Franklin. Another prominent Cambria Businessman who also owned the General Store, the Franklin Theater, and the Granger Saloon in Cambria. He also owned a 500 Acre Ranch on Santa Rosa Creek. The same beautiful creek that the Inn and gardens oversee.
In 1901 the home was acquired by Amos and Ida Smithers. Ida was the grand-daughter of William and Eunice Leffingwell (The Saw Mill Owner) and Amos became the Director of the Bank of Cambria in the 1920s. Amos Smithers also owned a Cambria ranch.
Gordon and Frieda Howard bought the home in 1955 and converted it to a Boarding House and Tourist Home until the mid-1970s. They also ran a small restaurant.
In 1976, a local citizen, Dr. Shaw, and his wife bought the home and carefully restored it. The Shaws turned it into a formal Bed and Breakfast.
Now, since 1955, over 60 years later, from Boarding House and Tourist Home, the Olallieberry Inn is still serving the Cambria community and is celebrated by the San Luis Obispo Tribune as the Top-rated Bed and Breakfast.
“Can’t wait to go back!!! We’ve stayed at Olallieberry Inn three times in less than two years and love it. All three rooms have been wonderful — this last time we had the Angel’s Nook a lovely cozy room upstairs in the Carriage House. The owners are friendly, welcoming and gracious. There are always other delightful guests to share interesting conversation and laugh with from five to six o’clock on the back porch overlooking the gardens and again the next morning over a five star (!!!) breakfast. We’d travel the distance for the breakfast alone. Cambria is a perfect stop-over when driving between Southern California and the Bay Area or an ideal location for a quiet weekend respite. (On our last visit one couple was celebrating a 25th anniversary, another a 50th anniversary, and another a landmark birthday.) A special place indeed.” – SB, Laguna Beach