MacArthur Place and the property and buildings which comprise it in Sonoma have a long and distinguished place in California history. Located within minutes of the Sonoma Plaza, the former Burris-Good estate is composed of beautiful gardens, majestic old trees, and historic architecture. The two-story Victorian house which dominates the property was built in the 1850s and is one of the oldest Victorian homes in Sonoma.
It was built and owned by David Burris (1824-1904), who in 1846, journeyed west from his native Missouri.[1] He and his brother initially engaged in mining at Bidwell’s Bar on the Feather River, then mined with success in Plumas County before moving to Sonoma County.[2] Burris became one of the most highly respected and wealthiest citizens of Sonoma County in the last half of the 19th century.[3] The property was a working ranch with vineyards, fruit orchards, a hay crop, cattle and many prized and well-trained trotters used for transportation in this horse and buggy era.The core of the estate was a roughly 47-acre tract bounded by Broadway (west), 3rd Street East (east), MacArthur Street (historically Germany Street, north), and Denmark Street (south).The house was constructed using wooden pegs and square nails (still fronted by the original white picket fence) and was home for his family of nine children. Burris was a founder of the Sonoma Valley Bank, conducting business out of the home’s corner library on the first floor.[4]
Five generations of the Burris family occupied the property. Over the course of the 20th century, Burris’ estate conveyed several multi-acre parcels from the main tract, reducing its size gradually. In 1921, a 12-acre portion of the 46-acre tract was conveyed by the Burris Estate to Sonoma Valley Union High School, which was followed by an additional conveyance of a 20 acre parcel to the high school in 1950, reducing the size of the tract to approximately 12 ½ acres.[5]
Leilani (“Anna”) Burris Welch was the last Burris to reside on the property. Anna was the “little sister” of Jane Lines (Good) at Mills College in Oakland in the 1930’s and the two remained close friends for life. When Anna died in 1971, her husband Garry sold the property to Jane and her husband, Howard.
The Good family enhanced the gardens, installed a paddle tennis court, constructed an eight car carport and expanded the barn.
There were many family gatherings at “Sunnyside Farms”, including paddle tennis games, riding bikes and Big Wheels, playing dominoes by the swimming pool and working the farm with Jane and Howard. A frequent visitor, especially at domino and meal time, was Col. Walter Gerdau, who had a Victorian home just up Austin Street.
In 1997, Suzanne Brangham purchased the property from the Good Estate and began creating a luxurious country inn. The property was reborn as a 64-room hotel, MacArthur Place, with a state-of-the-art conference facility, restaurant and full-service spa. Along with maintaining the original architecture on the buildings, and replicating its charm with new cottages, the beautifully planned landscaping had lush plantings, mature trees, rose gardens, a pool and spa sanctuary, a fish pond, water fountains and more than 30 original sculptures. Nathanson Creek winds along the western side of the property, creating a beautiful backdrop for visiting guests. MacArthur Place enjoyed 20 years of success under Suzanne’s and Bill Blum’s leadership. It was subsequently sold to IMH Financial Corporation in 2017.
References:
[1] Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume I The Lewis Publishing Company – 1905 Edited by Leigh H. Irvine
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
