The Falkirk Mansion is known today as the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael. It was built in 1888 and was a masterpiece. By 1974 the neglect of the old building had caused so many issues it was put up for demolition only to be saved and converted into a community building where art is displayed, gardens are revered, and local events are held.
Sonoma and Marin County Properties
Art and Exhibition
If you have never been to the Falkirk Mansion then you wouldn’t know that three of the upstairs rooms have been converted into art galleries featuring gorgeous contemporary art year-round. The exhibits change to allow for new art to be circulated in so if you go and you are not drawn to the art then you can go back in a few weeks and there will be new art there for you to see!
Eco-Friendly Garden Tours
The estate has over eleven acres in which to house a number of different gardens including a rock garden, a moon garden, an under oak garden, a Mediterranean climate garden, a habitat garden, and a California diversity garden. All of the gardens are eco-friendly and there are actually tours through the gardens and the greenhouse. The title to this section is a link and if you click it they have everything you could ever want to know about these gardens including lots of photos!
Every town has it’s own ghost story and San Rafael is no different. The mansion was built in 1888 by Ella Park and it is said that she has been seen roaming the halls keeping watch over the old building. Whether or not it is haunted is still to be seen but the history itself is intriguing. A wealthy businessman named Robert Dollar bought the mansion in 1906 and named it after his hometown in Scotland which is how it became known as the Falkirk Mansion. In 1974 it was saved from demolition and designated a historical building and from there has been renovated to become what it is today.
Events At The Falkirk Mansion
I hope you enjoyed this article and that you take the time to stop by the Falkirk Mansion and see it for yourself. If you would like any information on buying a home in Marin give me a call.
