Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Burdell Mansion

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

1. Burdell Mansion Marker

Inscription. A major significant change occurred in 1911 when James Burdell (Galen and Mary’s son) hired a contractor for the then princely sun of $15,000 to expand and convert the wood frame building into a 26-room mansion. Interior fireplaces and a second story veranda were added. A row of white columns lined the façade toward the garden. The gabled roof was replaced with a flat roof, and stucco was applied to the exterior of the building. With the addition of electric lighting, the Burdell home became the premier residence in Marin County.

The mansion and ranch remained in the Burdell family until 1943, when it was sold to Court Harrington. Several changes of ownership followed during the next 25 years.

An electric fire severely damaged the building at 5:00 A.M. on February 2, 1969.

Location. 38° 9.153′ N, 122° 34.277′ W. Marker is in Novato, California, in Marin County. Marker can be reached from Lichenberg Fire Road. Touch for map. Marker and site are located on the grounds of the Olomali State Historic Park, a short walk from the parking area. Olomali State Historic Park may only be entered from southbound State Highway 101 and is 3.5 miles north of Novato. Marker is in this post office area: Novato CA 94948, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

2. Burdell Mansion Marker

within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Galen and Mary Burdell (here, next to this marker); Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe (a few steps from this marker); Burdell Frame House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rancho Olompali (within shouting distance of this marker); Setting for a Colorful Past (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Novato Bank (approx. 3.1 miles away); Novato Bank Building (approx. 3.1 miles away); Scott General Store (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novato.

Regarding Burdell Mansion. Also see: Galen and Mary Burdell marker and the Camilo Ynitia Adobe marker for more information

Also see . . . Marine County: Olompali Rancho. (Submitted on October 6, 2008.)

Categories. • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Notable Buildings • Notable Events • Notable Persons • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers •

Close-Up of Artwork on Marker image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

3. Close-Up of Artwork on Marker

Mansion Today (After the Fire of 1969) image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

4. Mansion Today (After the Fire of 1969)

Burdell Mansion Today (After the Fire of 1969) image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

5. Burdell Mansion Today (After the Fire of 1969)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2018. This page originally submitted on October 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. This page has been viewed 3,129 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California.