The private Beggs-Bishop Cottage is located on a residential street in one of Mendocino's historic neighborhoods. It's an easy walk to restaurants, live theater, shops, the Art Center, markets and the headlands. You can simply park your car and enjoy village life on foot or bike as we do.
The Beggs House, our home, and the Beggs-Bishop Cottage are hidden behind a 6 foot hedge which insures privacy in the garden or on your porch. The front of the Cottage faces West and the view outside the Cottage gate is Heider Field, a square block of open space land, part of the Headlands State Park. Bordering the north of the Field on Little Lake Street are the four "mansions" as the locals call them, the Packard House, Maxwell Jarvis House, Albert Brown House, and The Blair House which some of you may recognize as Jessica Fletcher's house on "Murder She Wrote." The Beggs House, like the mansions, is classified in the National Historic Register as a Category 1 Structure which means there have only been minor alterations to the original 1881 structure. As historic structures, there are some features of the grounds and buildings that are not ADA compliant: such as narrow sidewalks, steps, etc. We have an interesting history of the house and some of its residents in the Cottage for your reading enjoyment.
THE BEDROOM - Morning sunlight flows into the bedroom through the easterly facing windows. The beautiful antique wardrobe provides ample space for storing your belongings. The window that can be seen in the short hallway outside your bedroom looks out onto your porch and garden. The bed itself is queen size and pleasantly firm with down comforter and Irish wool blanket to keep you cozy and warm. Each side of the bed has a nightstand and reading light.
THE KITCHEN - The Cottage includes a complete kitchen: full size stove and oven, apartment size refrigerator, coffee maker, ample cooking utensils, pots and pans, tableware and all the usual things you need in a kitchen. If we've overlooked something you need, let us know and we'll do our best to rustle it up for you.
THE SITTING AREA - The sitting area can be considered an extension of the kitchen. Heat is provided by a gas powered heater in the style of a wood stove. Cuddle up in the easy chairs and prop your feet up on a foot stool. You'll be comfortable reading a book, visiting with the cook, or taking a cat nap. Or simply daydream while viewing the garden from the multi-pane window. A radio and CD player are provided if you'd like a little mood music. There is no TV service on the property. There is a DVD player and a selection of DVDs. Also high-speed internet service. If you forgot your vacation reading -- not to worry. The Cottage has a great collection of books including the history of Mendocino and surrounding areas. The Cottage is decorated with art by local folks in various media. Local and European photographs by John Uhlar, drawing by Chuck Hathaway, copper work by Mike Moreland, watercolor by Erin Deither, a Patty Walker print, weaving by Betty Lette, ... For the weather buff, there's a barometer and wind speed instrument.
THE BATHROOM - The tile shower, glass door and flowered ceramic sink by local artist Steve Larkin make this a pleasant room to perform your daily toiletries. An electric wall heater helps to dissipate the moisture and the window which opens lets you listen to the local birds: robins, geese, ducks, osprey, gulls, ravens, and . . .
STARTER KIT - Upon your arrival the refrigerator and kitchen table are stocked with a "starter kit." It varies, but can include: yogurt, juice, soft drinks, fruit, fresh breads, and chocolate treat. We always have fresh ground french roast coffee in the cupboard, sugar, milk, black and herbal teas, fresh cut flowers in the kitchen and bedroom.
Ah! The Porch. When the sun is out, it's the best weather in town. The porch faces west and the hedge blocks any wind and insures privacy. Pick a wicker chair, settee, double rocker or adirondack chair, get a glass of wine or iced tea, relax and enjoy the garden.
