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“Italian Renaissance styled gardens”
Kimberly Crest, a picturesque French chateau style home built in 1897, is a well preserved example of the Victorian Era in California. The 7,000 square foot, three-story chateau sits on a six and one quarter acre estate two miles south of downtown Redlands, at 1325 Prospect Drive, and is enjoyed by more than 11,000 visitors annually. Originally built by Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill, a widow from New York State, the home was purchased by J. Alfred Kimberly (a co-founder of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation) and Helen Cheney Kimberly in 1905. Their widowed daughter, Mary Kimberly Shirk, lived in the home from 1920 until her death in 1979. The house’s unique features include a French revival parlor complete with gilt furniture and silk damask wall coverings. Terraced Italian gardens, orange groves and ponds surround this historic landmark home. The lily ponds feature radiant Koi; vivid red, pink and yellow lilies against deep green majestic lotus blossoms; and papyrus. In 1998, KSA was made an honorary member of the Inland Koi Society who maintains the lily ponds at Kimberly Crest. The Italian terraced gardens were designed by G. Edwin Bergstrom, a prominent Los Angeles architect and a son-in-law of the Kimberlys. Bergstrom successfully interpreted Mrs. Kimberly's wishes for an Italian garden. Terence Hernstrom, director of gardens and grounds, revives and designs the breath-taking gardens today. The gardens include never ending Mediterranean borders, cascading fountains, lily and koi ponds, multiple terraces, curved stairways and engulfing orange groves - all reminiscent of Renaissance Italy.
Had my first visit yesterday and it was quite lovely. The house and gardens are beautifully kept. The gardens area can be freely roamed but guided house tours requires a pass to be purchased (All... Read more
Kimberly Crest House is a beautiful mansion not far from fowntown Redlands. It is one of the most interesting things to see while visiting the area. Once I saw photos of it I knew I had to check... Read more
A lovely place to visit with a fascinating history and incredible docents who dress in period clothing to guide you through the house and grounds while answering any questions. Several impressive... Read more
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens
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- Sun - Fri: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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