Gorgeous Architecture: An Off-Season Tour of Riverside's Renowned Mission Inn

Hello, all and welcome to my blog!  I am so glad the spring is almost here!  So long, winter!  Since I am in such lifted spirits because of the forthcoming sunny weather, I thought today I would share a tour that (for at least my family) is atypical.  

Every few years or so, my family and I visit the gorgeous Mission Inn in downtown Riverside, California and its Festival of Lights during the wintertime.  It is truly a sight to see!  The whole mission, its grounds, and surroundings are adorned with over 4 MILLION lights!  You can read a bit about it in the archives of my blog here.  It is one of the most popular attractions at this beautiful, historic hotel.

Today, however, I would like to share the gorgeousness that is the Mission Inn when it is off-season.  Do join me?

Originally built as a small 12-room guest house in 1875, The Mission Inn was renovated in 1903, and now includes venues for weddings, a chapel, 265 rooms, and expansive grounds.  From the official website.

The chapel features beautiful ornate carvings and stunning details such as authentic Tiffany stained glass.

The Madonna and child.

Fantastic turrets and rotundas,

charming balconies,

and decorative cupolas are scattered throughout.

Beautiful woodwork is featured under eaves, 

on fabulous carved doors,

and in the interior on stunning antiques.

Among the other decorative elements are several bells, including its most famous bell, which dates back to 1247, and is believed to be the oldest dated in Christendom in existence anywhere in the world.

There is the fabulous clock,

beautifully patinaed metal,

and it is resplendent with arches everywhere...such as in charming windows,

on loggias,

even in the framing of the doors.

There is also a tremendous amount of beautiful foliage to observe, 

and beautiful antiques to behold.

We had an early dinner/late lunch at one of their lovely restaurants to end the day.  All in all, a wonderful experience I would highly recommend!

See you soon,

--Y

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Christmas at Greystone Manor

Hello, friends!  I hope this post finds you relaxing and enjoying the winter. 

A couple of years ago, my family and I went on a tour of the gorgeous Greystone Mansion in Los Angeles.  They host tours year-round, including tours at Christmastime during which the fabulous estate is decorated by local designers as well as their own in-house.  Although Christmas is gone, if you love historic homes, you might enjoy this tour. 

The fabulous 18-acre estate took three years to complete, and cost over 3 million to build, which in 1927, was an astronomical cost!  You can learn about the estate on its page here.

We truly enjoyed meandering through the gardens and rooms of the vast property.  Here are some of the shots I took.  

The outdoor garden.

House façade.  Oh how I love the aged stone and French elements!

Main courtyard and fountain.

Closer.

I love the stonework!

Beautiful patina.

Another courtyard.

Let's go inside.

Fabulous vaulted ceiling with ornate woodwork and a gorgeous chandy.

Love these beautiful windows and all the detail of the panelling.  This was a sun-drenched nook in one of the many bedrooms.  I do love winters in Southern California!

Casement windows!!

An antique fridge in what must have been the servant's kitchen or butler's pantry.

One of the tablescapes presented, with the designer herself also taking in its beauty.

Isn't this a gorgeous tree!!?  Proof positive that a tree can still be stunning yet simple.  A tree that pretty needs little to no emblishments; the tree shines in its own right.

To be honest, it was quite crowded, so it was difficult to snap many pictures that were unencumbered by crowds, and I would have loved to see more Christmas-themed rooms, because to be quite frank, they were pretty sparse.  Overall, I think I would definitely tour again. 

I hope you alll are enjoying the beginning of the new year!

Until next we meet!

--Y

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 

Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

Follow me on Pinterest!!  Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines!  Thank you!  

Thank you for stopping by! ❤