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Text by Kim Ratcliff •
Styling by Pamela Fritz •
Photography by Matthew Millman
Originally built in 1885 for a chapter of the United Ancient Order of Druids
(a British fraternity that expanded to the United States), the Druids Hall in
Olema, California, has always been a gathering place. More recently, it was used
as a preschool. But it’s the building’s most recent incarnation as a small,
luxurious inn that makes you want to slip on a fluffy robe and stay awhile. It
took builder/designer Robert Cain Jr. and his wife, Victoria Swift, six years to
transform the hall, which has been in Robert’s family since the 1950s. “It was
important to honor the historical integrity of the building while creating
fresh, functional spaces,” says Robert, who oversaw the renovation. “Guests
really appreciate our amazing attention to details,” adds manager Ana
Anderstein. “They can’t wait to share the place with family and
friends.”
Champaign Wishes
Trim and molding details were carefully reproduced
so that the structure’s new exterior, (a) echoes the original, (b & c) Bright accents, including an Indian shawl and silk pillows, punch up the
woodsy palate in the Olema Room, which opens onto the front porch and
surrounding gardens.
Aquatic Elegance
(d) Victoria decorated the Sutro Room around a piece of
San Francisco nostalgia—an original lithograph of the historic Sutro Baths,
which acts as a room divider. She found the Sutro bathing suit at a flea market
and had it framed. Steel and glass sliding doors in the bath (e)harmonize
with the bamboo-green tile. Victoria bought the sink and shower fixtures in
London. “Nothing like carting a suitcase of English plumbing through Europe.”
Elegantly Inn Style page
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