Victorian
Garden Tours!
While
you're visiting Ravenwood, don't forget to tour the Craven Manor estate,
and view this Gothic mansion and its Victorian gardens!
The mansion is located a few miles south of the downtown area. Rumors surrounding the history of the stately Craven Manor have circulated for decades. One such tale revolves around an eccentric heiress named, Rowan Broussard, who began a construction project in 1891 of such magnitude that it was to occupy the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death thirteen years later. (Photo below taken of mansion before construction 1995).
The mansion is located a few miles south of the downtown area. Rumors surrounding the history of the stately Craven Manor have circulated for decades. One such tale revolves around an eccentric heiress named, Rowan Broussard, who began a construction project in 1891 of such magnitude that it was to occupy the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death thirteen years later. (Photo below taken of mansion before construction 1995).
The
mansion is filled with so many inexplicable oddities, that visitors often get
lost in its confusing labyrinth of corridors. Outwardly, the mansion has a
formidable appeal, constructed with a fusion of Gothic and Victorian
architectural styles, which closely resembled the features of an American
Carpenter Gothic design that was often characterized by steep gables and
pointed windows. After Rowan's mysterious death September 13, 1929 and
unexplained fatalities of several others, it has come to be known as the
infamously, haunted Craven Manor.
The
estate is currently owned by the Donovan family. They had major
renovations completed in 2011 and most of restoration was overseen by Anthony
Evans of Castro Valley, California. Interestingly, the family refuses to sale
their home in Ravenwood despite the claim of the strong paranormal activity.
(Tours of the mansion and gardens are available by reservation only.)
Sightseeing!
Madrone
Woodlands surrounding Ravenwood is acres of mixed coniferous forest. Not
merely breathtakingly beautiful, the land is wild and natural, with islands of
second-growth redwood emerging from the hardwood canopy, and vigorous stands of
native bunch grass.
Location/Directions!
The
nearest State Park is located north in the redwood forest on Little Lake Road,
about 100 miles north of San Francisco. View Map
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing!
The
weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is recommended.
Warning: Teens are never to wander off alone in the woods.
