The Phillips Estate, erected in 1886 by C.H. Phillips, the esteemed founder of Templeton and a prominent banker who steered the West Coast Land Co., sits upon its original stagecoach site. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1886, terminating in Templeton, sparked significant interest in the area. The property spans .6 acres and holds historic designation. Its Victorian charm was meticulously restored in the late 1960s by Mr. & Mrs. George Dutra. Featuring 5 bedrooms/1 nursery with soaring 12-foot ceilings, an elegant dining room and formal living room, music room/library, office and spacious gourmet kitchen with casual dining area. With Victorian details that include crown moulding, grand pocket doors, wood flooring, elongated windows, and spacious interiors, the home offers a captivating journey into the past from the moment you enter through the front gate. There are four covered porches that allow guests to sit outside and take in the Main Street activity or tranquility of the large back yard.
Throughout its storied history, the estate has hosted countless guests over more than a century. Most recently, it was operated as The Country House Inn for over three decades starting in the mid-1980s until approximately 2016. The inn accommodated guests in six expansive bedrooms spread across the main house and a detached 600 sq ft Carriage House, complete with a small kitchen and bathroom, which has recently served as a rental. Furnished with grand beds and adorned with antiques, the inn provided a welcoming home-away-from-home experience for its visitors. Special events were hosted over the years on the grounds, including weddings, reunions, and celebrations of all kinds. This special property is waiting for the next owner to step through the gate full of creativity and imagination.