Full view
View all photos (106)106
Room & Suite (35)
About
#8 of 13 B&Bs in Mendocino
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Stay in the Village and walk everywhere. The Blair House is world famous as the home of Jessica Fletcher, the iconic character played by Angela Landsbury in Murder She Wrote. Closed for five years, Blair House reopened in 2023 after being completely remodeled and has had stellar reviews ever since. With only four guest rooms and in one family’s ownership since 1985, it’s like staying in a friend’s cozy home filled with heirloom antiques. Built in 1888 from old growth Redwood and Douglas Fir, it was described in the Mendocino Beacon as the “finest house on the North Coast.” Blair House is filled with romantic charm, wonderful high ceilings and unique historic details. It cheerfully decorated with botanical prints, wallpapers and antiques.
The original first floor double parlor is a voluminous suite. Most rooms have private or half bath. Private and cozy Blair Cottage, with its massive plank floors, was part of the horse barn— it has a quaint kitchenette, and allows for pets. High speed intranet is free, but rooms have books instead televisions. It’s a short walk from Blair House Inn to anywhere in the village and the Headlands Park.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Bicycle rental
Boating
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
24-hour security
Non-smoking hotel
Street parking
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Hiking
Horseback riding
Water sport equipment rentals
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Outdoor furniture
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Show more
Room features
Bathrobes
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Languages Spoken
English
Hotel links
Location
85Good for walkers
Grade: 85 out of 100
16Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
23Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
48Reviews0Q+A8Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 35
- 5
- 4
- 2
- 2
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
+1
My spouse and I love Mendocino and finding out that Mendocino and Fort Bragg served as locations for Murder, She Wrote made us love it even more. We finally got to stay at Blair House Inn this November (2023). We stayed in Angela’s suite and loved the old Victorian charm of the house. It was closed for a while for renovations, so I was glad to see they were booking stays again. Our suite had a four poster bed, a sitting room with a great view of Mendocino and the ocean in the distance. The bathroom is unique and charming. If it’s not original, it certainly feels like it. The entire suite was welcoming and comfortable. What better way for me to spend my birthday weekend than getting to stay exactly where I wanted: The house that served as Jessica Fletcher’s house in fictional Cabot Cove, Maine. Looking for peace and quiet? There are plenty of books to read about Mendocino or Angela Lansbury in Blair House, both in the suite and the charming hallway that looks like Jessica could have just stepped out. There also are additional books in the bookcase in Angela’s suite—mostly mystery, as far as I could tell. As the innkeeper told me when booking, it’s not Jessica Fletcher’s house on the inside. The house was only used for exterior shots. I told her I knew — she just didn’t want people to be disappointed. It didn’t stop my spouse and for making private jokes about who might be next to die in Cabot Cove. Helen, the innkeeper, is kind and made sure we were comfortable during our stay. Thanks for the pleasant experience! One thing to note: You cannot directly book a room from the website. You will need to call.…
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Grover Wickersham, Owner at Blair House Inn
Responded 1 week ago
Please come back again very soon! So glad that you had a wonderful birthday!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Property's Favourite Review
After spending several nights here in early July, I was ready to move in! We stayed in Angela's Suite on the first floor. It's named for Angela Lansbury, who played the author/sleuth Jessica Fletcher in "Murder, She Wrote," the character who was supposed to live in this gorgeous Victorian. Even if you never saw the show, the New England-style residence will capture your heart. Our suite was nicely appointed with a comfortable four-poster bed, lace curtains, sofas, a coffee pot, a pull-handle Victorian-style toilet (that worked!), and a basket of treats and excellent chilled wine provided by the thoughtful Helen, who offered us all kinds of information about the home and the town. There was so much to explore in and around this charming village; even in 6 days or so, we didn't manage to do it all, so I hope we can come back. I'd definitely want to stay here again!…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: We loved the two-room Angela's Suite. I imagine other rooms in the hotel are equally...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
We have stayed in this Inn many times and always look forward to returning. So peaceful and quiet you can hear the sound of the ocean in the distance. We enjoyed the changing weather sitting in wing back chairs in our warm perch in Jessica’s suite above the village with an ocean view. We walked to the Mendocino community theatre one night after a delicious dinner. Being close to everything, it was great to leave the car, walk to the headlands and the shops. Helen is a wonderful hostess who knows the community well and suggested many areas to explore.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Easy parking, very walkable, good Wi-Fi and quiet location.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We loved the Blair House Inn! A must to experience, especially for fans of Murder She Wrote. We stayed in the Blair Cottage. The cottage is in the back of the property, we parked right next to it. The cottage is adorable! It has a full kitchen and all the necessary amenities. The proprietor was lovely, she went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect. It is a short walk into town, we enjoyed dinner and a walk to the ice cream shop. Mendocino is a charming town and the Blair House Inn is a perfect fit for a wonderful getaway!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: We really enjoyed the cottage!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We were delighted with our stay at Blair house. The Victorian house is superb, very well maintained, and our lovely suite was very comfortable. There were bouquets of fresh flowers even in the bathroom! Helen, our charming hostess, made us feel very welcome and gave us lots of information about Mendocino and the nearby restaurants. An excellent address, we'll be back!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Helen Mackenzie, Innkeeper at Blair House Inn
Responded 19 Sept 2023
It was so lovely to have you. We offer returning guests so it would be great to have you again. Helen Mackenzie
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Historic beautiful Victorian. Great location right in Mendocino Village walking distance to all shops, restaurants, galleries, theater, Headlands, Big River Beach. Comfortable amenities, lovely English style garden. Innkeeper hospitable and knowledgeable of the area and the history of the house. #BlairHouse #Mendocino Coast #MurderSheWrote
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Quaint and quiet, yet charming and full of life and history, describes the Blair House, specifically the cottage out back, where my wife and I always stay. Helen the manager is purely delightful and makes for a simple hometown experience. Highly recommended for those looking for a quiet stay.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
If you're a fan on local history, or, like me, the Show, Murder She Wrote, you have to stay here. The Blair House is a charming historic home from the 1880s. It sits on a spacious lot with gardens, and the house is large and quiet, while still being a block's walk from downtown. The decorations are intentionally old-fashioned. It's worth taking a look at the photos to make sure that's the right feel for you (it was for us.) We stayed in the Angela Suite, and the room was clean and comfortable. The owner even put fresh flowers from the garden in our room--a thoughtful touch. I was drawn to Mendocino because it was the filming location for the show Murder, She Wrote starring Angela Lansbury. Blair House was Angela's home in the show, and it's one of the most recognizable locations in the town. You can also check out the cliffs seen in the show, the quaint row of shops on Main Street from the opening sequence, and the "Hill House of Cabot Cove" maintains its sign out front from the show. If you want to know more about the show or filming locations, Helen, the host at Blair House is very friendly and helpful. We came as fans of Angela Lansbury, and we left as fans of Mendocino, too. This town has kept its historical charm through the years. There are nice restaurants and shops in town, with kindly locals. Families play at the Big River Beach. The views are spectacular. I really can't recommend it enough. We'll be back.…
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Helen Mackenzie, Innkeeper at Blair House Inn
Responded 19 Sept 2023
I am sot glad your visit was so memorable. Thank you for coming to see us in the remote beach community. Returning guests are offered a discount so I hope this will entice you to return again. Thanks again.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great stay in Mendocino! We stayed in “The Cottage” out in the back that used to be the old stable. It was so cute! Great location; right next to everything you could need. Walked to get a drink at Pattersons Pub followed by a lovely dinner at Luna. The host, Helen, lives on the property and was so helpful with recommendations and quick and easy contact if we needed anything. Would recommend Blair House Inn for travelers in the area!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My husband and I had the best time here for a quick weekend getaway! Helen the manager was so sweet, helpful, and knowledgeable. She made sure we had everything we needed and recommended the perfect spots for dinner and breakfast. The room was perfect with its Victorian-era feel yet modern conveniences (coffee, wifi, etc.). And staying at the house that was Jessica Fletcher's in Murder, She Wrote made it extra special. Can't wait to go back!!
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingBLAIR HOUSE INN - Updated 2023 Reviews (Mendocino, CA)
Frequently Asked Questions about Blair House Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Blair House Inn?
Nearby attractions include Mendocino Coast (0.2 miles), Ford House Visitor Center & Museum (0.2 miles), and Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Blair House Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and bicycle rental.
What food & drink options are available at Blair House Inn?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea, free instant coffee, and an outdoor dining area during their stay.
Is parking available at Blair House Inn?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Blair House Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Goodlife Cafe and Bakery, Café Beaujolais, and Luna Trattoria.
Is Blair House Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.10 miles away from the centre of Mendocino.
Are pets allowed at Blair House Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Blair House Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Kelley House Museum (0.2 miles).
Does Blair House Inn have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.