Home’s History

In the heart of Redlands, California, stands a beacon of history and grandeur—the 1890 Morey Mansion. This architectural gem, crafted with the wealth from citrus nurseries, was the dream home of David and Sarah Morey.

With a construction cost of $20,000, a fortune at the time, it represented not just a dwelling but a testament to the booming citrus industry and the promise of the American West.

After the Moreys’ passing in 1901, the Cheney family, linked to the Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s founders, took the helm, embedding further the mansion’s connection to American entrepreneurship.

The 1940s brought a touch of Hollywood to the mansion’s lore when it was reportedly left to actress Carole Lombard by her uncle.

Though Lombard’s premature death prevented her from taking ownership, the narrative added a layer of mystique and glamour to the residence.

In the years following, the mansion saw various owners, including the Wisemans and the Allens, the latter of whom fulfilled a childhood dream of ownership, a testament to the mansion’s captivating allure.

The house’s cinematic appeal was confirmed when it served as the backdrop for the 1952 film “Talk About a Stranger,” further cementing its status as a landmark.

The transition into a bed and breakfast in 1985 under Carl Ljungquist and Gary Conway marked a new era, opening its doors to guests and allowing the public a glimpse into its opulent past.

Renovations by Janet Cosgrove in 1998 and again in 2006 preserved its historic charm while adapting it for modern use.

However, the tale of the Morey Mansion is one of resilience. Despite facing foreclosure in 2012, it found its way back to Janet Cosgrove in 2014, a circle completing, ensuring the preservation of its legacy.

Exterior Photos

The residence features gorgeous spindle work, leaded glass windows, and intricately carved woodwork. From the back, there are gorgeous views of the San Timoteo Canyon.

Interior Photos

The three-story tall home features five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and 5,400 square feet of living space.

The Morey Mansion, more than a house, is a chronicle of ambition, loss, glamour, and revival—a physical embodiment of the American spirit.

Its walls, if they could speak, would tell tales of dreams realized, of history witnessed, and of the enduring allure of a home that is much more than just bricks and mortar.

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