Beautiful elegant step-back in time in this lovely old home of the shipping magnate William Dollar Family. Open to the public. Saved from the wrecking ball by the Citizens of San Rafael many years ago - so that YOU could enjoy it today. Gorgeous grounds. Facilities to rent for weddings, art shows and events. (AND always keep an eye on this beautiful place, be aware and vigilant lest City officials AGAIN target this for development.)

Beautiful place!

We attended for a friends wedding. The grounds for this facility are absolutely, stunningly beautiful! Great experience. My only complaint is that the bathrooms are too few/too small and the interior of the building is mostly a bit drab (think greying carpeting, only a few places to sit, which are mostly older couches, etc.)

My best friend just got married here, and it was beautiful. I cant believe something so nice and nature-friendly could be so close to the city! The house is beautiful, and the gardens are so beautiful. There are deer and turkeys walking around, and I loved being here. The house is so cool, and it is like being sent back in time. I loved this spot. Such a beautiful place for a wedding

Very well appointed vintage and historical house.

Beautiful place for an event. Wonderful gardens outside and beautiful inside area. Parking is also fairly good. Highly recommend going there.

A beautiful and informative section of San Rafael. The botanical garden is the real jewel here

The room are clean & spacious, the bed was also extremely comfortable, yet my room was not made up once during my three day stay. Im not sure if this is a result of my room being at the end of the corridor but my towels were not changed. Other than that honestly no complaints other than the fact the fridge is completely empty, not even a complimentary water bottle.

Beautiful building with a lot of history. Great location for a wedding

As a Wedding venue, big property, great price. You would think somewhere in that house it would be a nice of some kind. No utensils not a single knife anywhere on the property. Could not cut up the longhoggie sandwiches for the workers that help to set up. And we forgot to bring something to cut the cake. There was nothing anywhere. Big kitchen, not a single utensil. Otherwise it was great.

A beautiful nook in downtown San Rafael. Master gardens and astroturf juxtapose the battle for parking and the seemingly random array of private events.

Nice old building, very fitting for a wedding party.

The step back in time when you walk through the front door is amazing. Artistry every where, carved wood, stained glass, was a feast for the eyes. On the outdoor space you are greeted with scents coming from fragrant flowers old vines of climbing roses. A must see!

A beautiful place, the grounds surrounding this huge Victorian Mansion are amazing. I like walk there, there is a greenhouse and many flowers to look at. The green grass surrounding this mansion feels great on your bare feet. If you never have been there Its worth a walk around. I am not sure when they have tours of the House, I went years ago.

The Master Gardener demonstration gardens are spectacular! They have a moon garden, a pollinator friendly habitat (to encourage bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to come), and Mediterranean garden with plants from Australia, South Africa, and other countries with similar western facing coastal climates (wet winter months followed by dry summer/ fall months). Plus the most fascinating and enormous succulents (check out the agave and aloe plants that have 15ft+ spire-like blooms!). Beautiful building and great place to wander around on a lazy day.

I coordinated a wedding here and for the location, its quite affordable since its owned by the City of San Rafael. The art gallery is upstairs and during events, its not generally open for guests -- too bad because it would be a great icebreaker during the reception.The lawn is great for an intimate wedding ceremony and the house itself is perfect for a guest list of under 80. The couple seated just under 80 guests on the deck and strung market lights -- creating a lovely setting for dinner. The antique furniture and stained glass add to the appeal. Even the bathrooms made guests gasp -- they were so pretty!

Quiet,ambient almost its so beautiful it was hard to leave it

Dont hesitate to visit-unforgettable experience-DONT MISS OUT!!! A tourist venue for sure .

Beauitful, historic place! Marvelous interior and grounds. I have only been there for Christmas parties, so in a festive spirit and so decorated.

Beautiful grounds. Loved the deers just roaming around naturally.

Very Peaceful. Great place for weddings and receptions.

Always fun and casual here. The grounds could use some upkeep though. The pond (?) in the front is stagnant and teeming with mosquito larvae.

Beautiful Historical home with lots of Victorian accents.

This is a great mansion full of history and stories. Im so inspired by the place and all that it has to offer. I hope everyone who visits this place find a new inspiration in life and enjoy the place.

Great venue for our wedding. Absolutely love this place.

Go to public mansion for meetings. Art and history and community.

The gardens and the views.

Very quaint and peaceful ambiance.

Place is rustic..old..kichen small if you plan to have yoyr wedding cater there..people working there have no clue seem like you are vitheringbthem if you ask them a question in the office..wss there for a wedding recently..lights were barely lighted inbthst garden area.....the poor workers trying to break down those horrible heavy table and old chairs..they could barely clean up and see..nkt very friendly or they check to see if you need anything...yoy have to bring your own lights if you want to see in that garden area....i would not use this venue unless you are desperate..it is least expensive than other venues.....only best part is the outdoor patio that looks decent..it is tight..old and staff is not much help ...

Beautiful building

Went to a wedding here and the facilities were fantastic. Everything from the floor to the ceiling was beautiful and the staff was courteous and efficient!

My friends hosted a murder mystery party here. A perfect location.

Isabellas event

A really great place to visit the gardens .

Awesome venue for weddings.

Great place had my wedding here.

Attended a lovely wedding here, the building and grounds are beautiful.

Gave a concert here; excellent experience.

The gardens, artwork and house are beautiful!

Amazing architecture, wonderful exhibits

Great place for a wedding!

Beautiful

Magic and mosquitoes

The best!!!

Good place

The gardens were beautiful

Gorgeous!