Edwards Mansion

Redlands contains multiple spectacular Victorian era homes including the Edwards Mansion. Specifically, this home is an example of the Queen Anne Victorian style. Originally built in 1890, the Edwards Mansion has since undergone multiple renovations, restorations, and additions. The 2 ½ story building originally had fourteen rooms. Included in the design are multiple porches and balconies featuring gabled roofs. The layout of the various porches, pavilions, and balconies contributes to the building’s asymmetrical design. On the second floor is an open turret above the circular covered porch of the first floor. Some of the additions include a small addition to the back of the house and a greenhouse on the east side. Elements such as Eastlake style ornamentation, the diagonal and fish-scale shingles, and attention to detail all combine to make this house an amazon and unique example of this architectural style. 

When first built, the building was located at 919 Cajon Street. In 1890, the home was built for James S. Edwards. At first, the house was used as a boarding house but eventually Mr. Edwards and his family moved in and used the homes their own private residence. Mr. Edwards was a successful businessman in the citrus industry, which was instrumental in the development of the city of Redlands during this time period. Mr. Edwards was involved in multiple aspects of the industry, owning acreage dedicated to growing orange trees, packing houses, and a nursery business. In addition to being prominent in the citrus industry, the Edwards family also have the distinction of being one of the first families to purchase property in Redlands after the city was incorporated. The home stayed in the family until 1957, when James’ wife Alice passed away. 

Plymouth Village, a retirement community, used the building from the early 1960s until deciding to relocate in 1973. At this point, the building faced demolition. Rather than letting that happen, Donald Wilcott purchased the building for just $1 However, the process of relocating, restoring, and redecorating the house would eventually add up to more than a million dollars. It was at this point that the dramatic relocation of the building took place. In part, this relocation was undergone in order to place this historic building nearby the San Bernardino County Museum. The move also had the effect of relocating the building into a setting surrounded by lawns and orange groves, much as it would have been when originally built. 

 For this to happen, the building had to be lifted, have much of its trim removed, and cut in two. The home was moved five miles across Redlands. Along the route of the trailers, wiring for telephones had to be temporarily re-wired and crews from Southern California Edison were stationed to adjust the heights of the electrical wires as the pieces of the house passed by so that the mansion did not run into the wires when being moved. After this astonishing event, Mr. Willcott and his wife Sue then set to work restoring the building, as when they purchased it it was little more than an empty shell.

As part of the renovations, the Wilcotts redecorated the interior in authentic period style. Antique furnishings were brought in to add to the feeling that one is stepping back in time. A chapel was also built next to the main house building using pieces from the Evangelical Lutheran Church built in Redlands in 1903. When the Wilcotts opened the Edwards Mansion, they used it as a gourmet restaurant complete with staff dressed in Victorian attire. The restaurant focused heavily on the citrus theme both in decor and on the menu. In 1989, Wilcott made the decision to use the Edwards Mansion as a space for weddings and other private events full time. Guests can get married either in the chapel or outside in one of the gazebos on the property. Other private events such as banquets can also be held in this beautiful old home.

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Heritage Room, Historic Resources Inventory, Historic Survey Form Scans

History, Edwards Mansion. Accessed August 18th 2020. http://edwardsmansion.com/pages/1-history.