At one time the Hope-Merrill House in Geyserville provided a quiet retreat from everyday life. The building is set in wine country and was once the source of award-winning wines itself. One of the striking features of the home had been the rows of grape vines that grew next to the house. The owners of the inn held an annual event, where guests could participate in the wine-making process. Wines produced by those taking part in this event were subsequently entered into competitions.
Participants of the wine making program would be formed into groups and harvest the grapes, work together to create wine labels, and blend the wine. All meals were provided during the four-day event. Those who took part in the special event would also receive a souvenir T-shirt and two cases of the wine that they made. All of this took place amid simply breathtaking surroundings.
The décor of the Hope-Merrill House was exquisite. Great effort had been made to keep the ambiance of the house in its original form. The front door of the historical building was secured with a 140-year-old lock. Upon entering the main hall, guests felt as if they are going back in time. The house was built in 1870, and furnishings, paintings, and other household items had been placed throughout the house to maintain the feel of the historical time period.
The house itself was a work of art. The wallpaper had been specially designed as close to the original style as possible. This wall decor was hand-made, silkscreen paper made by Bruce Bradbury. Bruce created reproductions of paper designed by the original decorator, William Morris, for some of the rooms. He also produced original patterns in the Morris style. Motifs were specially crafted to fit the unique structure of each room. The outside grounds were just as beautiful as the house. Besides the mini vineyard, a beautiful garden had been maintained for the enjoyment of guests. A large pool and lounging area were also available for use.
Naturally, a hearty breakfast was provided each morning for guests. Additionally, a picnic lunch was available upon request. A day of wine tasting, a picnic, and a walk along the Geyserville Sculpture Trail made for a truly enjoyable experience. Since the inn regularly participated in the art tour, it was easy to start and end the day right at the house.
The Hope-Merrill House contained eight amazing rooms, all of which had private bathrooms. WiFi was offered, as was a community computer, phone, and fax services. A variety of beverages were available for purchase. Unfortunately, the inn was closed during the COVID Pandemic but shopping, restaurants, and six different wine tasting rooms within walking distance of the house can still be visited- and the house remains as a prominent feature of the town.