Geyserville is tiny. If you blink while driving down Highway 128, you might miss the whole town center. But sitting right there on the main drag, looking like it was plucked out of a 19th-century storybook, is the Hope Merrill House.
It’s a massive, ornate Victorian that basically serves as the town's architectural anchor. Honestly, most people just drive past and think, "Oh, look, a pretty old house." But if you actually stop? You find a place that’s gone through a weirdly high-end transformation. It isn’t some dusty museum where you’re afraid to sit on the chairs. It’s more like a private compound for people who want to pretend they own a Sonoma County estate for a weekend.
What Really Happened with the Hope Merrill House?
A lot of folks get the history a bit tangled. They confuse it with its "sister" property, the Hope-Bosworth House across the street. While they were both owned by the same family for a long time—shout out to Cosette Trautman-Scheiber who really put them on the map—they have totally different vibes.
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The Hope Merrill House was built around 1870. Back then, it was the height of luxury for the area. Fast forward to now, and it’s recently undergone a massive renovation. We’re talking about a 5,200-square-foot mansion that somehow keeps its 1872 "bespoke" roots while shoving in things like smart speakers and Frette Italian sheets.
It’s a Registered Historical Home. That means you can’t just go tearing down walls or changing the silhouette. But inside? It’s a different story. The current setup is basically a boutique inn that functions somewhere between a high-end hotel and a private rental. It has eight guest rooms, and five of them have their own fireplaces.
If you’re staying there, you aren't just getting a room; you’re getting access to a level of detail that’s kind of rare in the Alexander Valley. The wallpaper alone is a talking point. It’s custom-designed silk-screen stuff by Bruce Bradbury. If you aren't a design nerd, just know it looks expensive because it is.
The Resort Factor
Most B&Bs have a garden and maybe a porch. This place is different.
- There is a 40-foot saltwater pool that’s heated.
- There’s a hobby vineyard right on the acre-plus property.
- They have a commercial-grade kitchen, which is why it’s become such a magnet for "mansion weddings."
It’s weird to find a place that feels this secluded while being a three-minute walk from a Michelin-rated restaurant like Cyrus or the legendary pasta at Catelli’s. You get the "isolated estate" feeling without actually being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no food.
Staying at the Hope Merrill House in 2026
If you’re planning a trip, don't expect a standard hotel lobby experience. It’s intimate. Because there are only eight rooms, the service is usually pretty personal. They do the whole concierge thing—booking your tastings at silver-tier spots like Silver Oak or Zialena—but they also leave you alone if you just want to sit by the fire pit and ignore your phone.
One thing that surprises people is the "K-use" permit. It’s a rare historical designation that lets them do a lot more than a standard house. That’s why you’ll see yoga retreats, corporate buyouts, and elaborate elopements happening here.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is not checking the "New Hope Merrill" status. The property was closed for a big chunk of time recently for renovations (roughly March 2023 to early 2024), and the "new" version is much more tech-forward.
- The Rooms: They all have smart TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi now. If you’re trying to do a "digital detox," you’ll have to be disciplined because the tech is right there.
- The Breakfast: It’s still a huge part of the draw. They do a full sit-down situation that usually involves local Sonoma produce.
- The Location: It’s at 21253 Geyserville Avenue. It’s literally in the heart of downtown. You can walk to the Geyserville Gun Club (which has great cocktails) in about four minutes.
Is it actually worth the price?
Look, Geyserville isn't cheap anymore. It used to be Healdsburg’s "sleepy neighbor," but now it’s a destination. If you want a budget motel, this isn't it. You’re paying for the fact that you’re in a 150-year-old landmark that has been gutted and refitted with Restoration Hardware furniture and high-end linens.
If you are a fan of Victorian architecture but hate the "grandma’s attic" smell of old inns, this is basically your dream. It’s clean, it’s sharp, and it smells like expensive candles.
The Best Way to Experience the Property
Don’t just stay in the house. The whole point of being in this part of the Alexander Valley is the proximity to the Russian River and the high-end wineries.
- Morning: Eat the breakfast at the house. Seriously.
- Mid-day: Head to Francis Ford Coppola Winery. It’s about five minutes away. It’s basically a "wine wonderland" with a movie museum and another pool if you want a change of scenery.
- Afternoon: Do a tasting at Robert Young or Trentadue.
- Evening: Walk from the Hope Merrill House to Diavola for some of the best pizza in Northern California.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Book the Vineyard View rooms. If you’re going to stay in a house with its own vineyard, you might as well see it when you wake up.
- Inquire about the "Full House" rental. If you have a group of 15 or 16 people, renting the entire estate is often cheaper (and way more fun) than booking individual rooms at a high-end resort in Healdsburg.
- Check the wedding schedule. Since it’s a popular wedding venue, weekends can get loud or be fully blocked out. If you want a quiet, romantic vibe, try a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll basically have the pool to yourself.
- Use the bikes. The inn usually arranges bicycle usage. The roads around Geyserville are flat and wind through some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world. It’s the best way to see the valley without worrying about parking.
The Hope Merrill House isn't trying to be a Hyatt. It’s a specific, curated slice of Sonoma history that’s been polished until it shines. Whether you're there for the architecture or just a place to crash after too much Zinfandel, it’s a spot that actually lives up to the photos.