Grand Island Mansion

The Sacramento River delta’s historic Grand Island Mansion is a uniquely spectacular Italian Renaissance styled villa. The Mansion is the largest private estate in Northern California, enchanting visitors and guests with a display of the finest features of classical architecture and expert craftsmanship.

Built by Mr. Lewis W. Meyers, this impressive estate sits on the outskirts of the town of Walnut Grove, California. Walnut Grove is one of the earliest settlements on the Sacramento River Delta, established in 1850.  Mr. Meyers was an accomplished and influential Californian, and was the owner of 865 acres on Grand Island, where he built a highly successful fruit farm, growing pears, peaches, plums, cherries, and asparagus, and which was, at the time, one of the show-places of the county.

Planned by Mr. Meyers’ wife Henrietta and designed by renowned San Francisco architect J. W. Dolliver in 1917, this four-story, 24,000 square foot, 58 room villa was the centerpiece of Louis W. Meyers’ personal empire. Construction of the Mansion was completed in 1920. However, Mr. Meyers’ enjoyment of his grand domicile was brief, as he died in April of 1922, at the age of 51. Upon the untimely passing of Mr. Myers, Mrs. Myers took over the management of the estate, and with the assistance of her son Louis J. Meyers, carried on farming operations.

Louis J. Meyers and his wife Audrey, the daughter of David Lubin of Weinstock Lubin Department Store fame, enjoyed being a part of high society as well. As a result, the Mansion served originally not only as the Meyers’ family home, but as a favorite haunt for many a celebrity of 1920s and 30s. The Meyers, who loved to entertain, played host to such luminaries as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, actress Greta Garbo and mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner. Distinctive touches throughout the mansion still reflect its star-studded past, such as the private movie theater and closets in the ladies’ lounge named for Hollywood stars of the day.