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Kimberly Crest House & Gardens is one of Redlands’ most treasured historic landmark. Blending elegant architecture with beautifully landscaped grounds. Built in the late 19th century. The French château-style mansion reflects the city’s citrus-era prosperity and refined heritage.

Visitors can tour the preserved interiors, featuring period furnishings and ornate design details. Guided walks share stories of the Kimberly family and the estate’s legacy. Outside, terraced gardens, fountains, and scenic pathways create a peaceful setting ideal for strolls, photography, and events.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or garden landscapes, Kimberly Crest offers a timeless cultural experience in the heart of Redlands.

Panoramic Beauty

Kimberly Crest sits at 1325 Prospect Drive in Redlands. This grand estate occupies a prime spot approximately two miles south of the historic downtown. Its elevated position provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region. The majestic San Bernardino Mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the north. One immediately understands why the original owners chose such a spectacular location.

Visitors see the entire San Bernardino Valley spread out below.
The estate sits on a hill overlooking the city.
Dramatic mountain peaks anchor the northern horizon.
The location offers one of the best vistas in the city.
Accessible roads connect the mansion to the downtown area.

A Storied History | The Vision of Remarkable Women

The history of Kimberly Crest is a story of three visionary women. Their legacies shaped the estate into what it is today.

Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill

Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill commissioned the construction of this grand home in 1897. This wealthy widow moved from New York to California seeking a warmer climate. She built the magnificent house as a new start after the tragic loss of her husband and four daughters. Builders remarkably completed the entire project in just seven months. Mrs. Hill named the estate “Kimberly Crest” to honor her mother’s family.

Mrs. Hill sought refuge in the mild California weather.
The construction process moved at an incredible pace.
The home served as a monument to her resilience.
The name “Kimberly” preserves her maternal family heritage.
The estate remains a testament to late 19th-century ambition.

Helen Cheney Kimberly

Helen Cheney Kimberly and her husband John Alfred Kimberly purchased the estate in 1905. John Alfred Kimberly co-founded the renowned Kimberly-Clark Corporation. This company famously invented Kleenex tissues and other essential paper products. The family fell in love with the property immediately. They transformed the grand residence into their permanent family home.

The Kimberly family acquired the estate in the early 1900s.
John Alfred Kimberly brought significant industrial success to Redlands.
The couple maintained the property as a private residence.
Their legacy connects the house to a global corporation.
The family’s care preserved the estate for future generations.

Mary Kimberly Shirk

Mary Kimberly Shirk inherited the estate from her parents and lived there for most of her life. She remained deeply committed to preserving the property’s unique beauty and character. Since she had no children, Mary bequeathed the entire estate to the public upon her death in 1979. Her visionary gift transformed the private residence into a lasting community treasure.

Mary established the Kimberly Shirk Association for perpetual care.
The estate now operates as a public museum and landmark.
Her dedication ensured the home remained in pristine condition.
The transfer to the public occurred in the late 1970s.
Her legacy protects the historic site for future generations.

Architectural Grandeur | A French Château in California

The French Châteauesque architecture of Kimberly Crest remains its most striking feature. Rough-hewn granite construction gives the building a solid, timeless appearance. A round tower with a conical roof dominates the front facade. Multiple turrets and ornate chimneys complete the enchanting fairy-tale silhouette. This imposing style reflects the grand ambitions of the American Gilded Age.

Steeply pitched roofs create a dramatic mountain skyline.
Rich wood paneling and carved fireplaces decorate the interior.
Intricate plasterwork adds elegance to every formal room.
Original Tiffany-style stained glass windows cast colorful light.
Fine antiques and artwork fill the family’s living spaces.
Personal effects tell the story of the home’s past residents.

The Italian Gardens | A Masterpiece of Landscape Design

The grounds of Kimberly Crest impress visitors as much as the house itself. Stunning Italian Renaissance-style terraced gardens rank among the finest in Southern California. These outdoor living spaces feature formal garden rooms separated by hedges and stone walls. Dedicated volunteers meticulously maintain the landscape for public enjoyment. The gardens provide a grand setting for both quiet contemplation and professional photography.

Fountains and reflecting pools add elegance to the estate.
Wisteria-draped pergolas provide shaded walkways for visitors.
A circular fish pond serves as a central focal point.
Stone staircases connect the different terrace levels.
Classic statuary decorates the various garden rooms.

A Home Frozen in Time

Walking through Kimberly Crest feels like stepping back in time. The home remains exactly as it was during Mary Kimberly Shirk’s life. Original furniture, books, and personal belongings fill every room. This authenticity sets the mansion apart from more sterile museums. Visitors connect emotionally with the family who lived here for nearly a century.

Family photographs sit on original tabletops.
Vintage clothing still hangs in the closets.
The kitchen retains its historic appliances.
Personal effects remain in their original places.
The house feels lived-in and deeply personal.

The Kimberly Shirk Association & Preservation Mission

The Kimberly Shirk Association operates as a dedicated non-profit organization. Its sole purpose involves preserving and managing Kimberly Crest for the public benefit. The association receives no ongoing government funding for its operations. It relies entirely on private ticket sales, memberships, and community donations. This collective commitment ensures the estate remains a treasure for future generations.

Dedicated volunteers handle the daily operations.
Knowledgeable docents lead informative house tours.
Skilled gardeners maintain the extensive grounds.
Committee members organize unique fundraising events.
Local memberships provide vital financial support.

Special Events & Programs

Kimberly Crest serves as a vibrant community venue beyond its role as a museum. The estate hosts garden concerts and seasonal holiday celebrations throughout the year. Local schoolchildren visit for educational programs focused on regional history. Its stunning architecture and gardens provide a premier backdrop for professional photography. These diverse activities keep the historic landmark relevant for modern residents.

Classical music performances draw appreciative garden audiences.
Festive decorations transform the house during the holidays.
Students learn about the past through hands-on programs.
Photographers capture engagement and family portraits on site.
Professional shoots require special permits from the association.

Weddings at Kimberly Crest

Kimberly Crest ranks as a premier wedding venue in the Inland Empire. Couples exchange vows on the terrace overlooking the expansive valley. The historic château provides a breathtaking backdrop for every photograph. Receptions transform the Italian Renaissance gardens into a magical setting. This site offers a unique blend of elegance and natural beauty.

Couples host receptions in the terraced gardens.
Limited wedding bookings preserve the fragile property.
Events occur outside of standard public tour hours.
Wedding revenue funds the estate’s ongoing preservation.
The château creates a stunning visual for ceremonies.

A Legacy of Beauty and Generosity

Kimberly Crest House and Gardens represents more than a historic residence. This estate stands as a testament to the vision and generosity of the women who shaped it. Cornelia Hill created a beautiful home, while Helen Kimberly made it a family sanctuary. Mary Kimberly Shirk eventually gave the property to the public as an everlasting gift. It perfectly combines architectural grandeur, natural beauty, and community spirit.

Cornelia Hill established the estate’s original beauty.
Helen Kimberly transformed the house into a sanctuary.
Mary Kimberly Shirk donated the land to the public.
Architectural grandeur defines the entire property.
Natural beauty inspires every visitor to the grounds.
History comes alive within the historic walls.

“A French Château in the Heart of Redlands”

Step into a Fairytale

Kimberly Crest House and Gardens transports visitors to another world. This fairytale castle sits perched above a modern California city. Within its walls and gardens, time stands still for every guest. The elegance of the Gilded Age lives on through every preserved detail. Visitors experience a rare glimpse into a grand and historic lifestyle.

Walk through rooms where a prominent family lived.
Stroll through gardens that inspire new generations.
Gaze at views unchanged for over a century.
Experience the timeless beauty of the Gilded Age.
Discover a hidden castle in Southern California.

Visiting Kimberly Crest House and Gardens

Maximize your visit to Kimberly Crest with these practical suggestions. Secure your tour reservation early because slots fill up weeks in advance. Plan to arrive at the estate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This buffer allows for easy parking and a smooth check-in process. These steps ensure a stress-free experience at this historic landmark.

Book your tour well in advance to guarantee a spot.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the house and gardens.
Check the weather forecast before you leave home.
Apply sunscreen and wear hats during the summer months.
Take plenty of photos in the gardens but put cameras away inside.
Visit the Lincoln Memorial Shrine on the same afternoon.

Discover the magic of Kimberly Crest. Experience one of Southern California’s most beautiful and significant historic estates. Your journey into the past awaits on the hilltop in Redlands.

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Phone: (909) 792-2111
Website: kimberlycrest.org
Address: Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, 1325 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373
Location Map: