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

Burdell Mansion

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 9, 2022

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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1805.

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. 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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Novato CA 94948, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe (a few steps from this marker); Burdell Frame House (within shouting distance of this marker); Galen and Mary Burdell (within shouting distance of this marker); Rancho Olompali (within shouting distance of this marker); Cook House (within shouting distance of this marker); Try-Pot (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chosen Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Setting for a Colorful Past (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). 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

Burdell Mansion and Marker image. Click for full size.

March 9, 2022

2. Burdell Mansion and Marker

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

Photographed 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.

Photographed 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.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

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

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,584 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2022. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.