estled between the giant redwoods and the rugged Pacific coast of northern California, is one of the state's best-kept secrets: the Victorian village of Ferndale. A State Historic Landmark, and listed on the National Historic Register, Ferndale is a community frozen in time, with Victorian homes and shops relatively unchanged since their construction in the mid-to-late 1800's. Originally settle by Scandinavians, followed by Portuguese and various Europeans, the principle industry is dairy farming, followed by tourism. Ferndale boasts an population of 1450, and offers art galleries, live theater, museums, old cemeteries, many fairs and festivals throughout the year, as well as the tallest living Christmas tree, which is the focal point of the holiday activities.

Well known as one of Northern California's most photographed inns, and a Four Diamond - AAA Bed & Breakfast Inn, Conde Nast Johansen's 2001 "North American Inn of the Year", the Gingerbread Mansion Inn is a spectacular example of Victorian splendor, both inside and out. The exterior boasts spindlework, turrets and gables, as well as a formal English garden.

The inn offers four parlors and eleven romantic guestrooms, all decorated with antiques. Guests are pampered with luxuriously appointed baths (some with his-and-her clawfoot tubs and/or fireplaces), bathrobes, turndown service, morning coffee and a delicious full breakfast prepared by our two full-time professional chefs. The newest room, the Empire Suite, offers all of this and more: King-size bed, a large bathing area with a marble and glass and marble shower and clawfooted tub in front of a fireplace; a sitting area with fireplace and dining area (for breakfast served in room) complete the other side of the suite.