In 1905, Alfred Kimberly (co-founder of Kimberly-Clark Corporation) and his wife bought the property. It remained in the family until 1979, when their daughter, Mary Kimberly Shirk, willed it to the City of Redlands. Mrs. Shirk, an active member of the community, served as a trustee and president of Scripps College in Claremont. For a great historic overview of Kimberly Crest and a glimpse into the Victorian era, check out "Mary Kimberly Shirk: The Reality of Her Vision," by Steve Spiller for the Fortnightly Club of Redlands.

If the walls could talk, what interesting stories would they tell of the community leaders that were entertained in this French Chateau-styled home? Inside the home are period furnishings and photographs. The home contains a library of rare books collected by the Kimberly family. While the downstairs floor retains the look and feel of a historic home, the upstairs was remodeled around the 1950s to function as the primary living quarters for Mrs. Shirk.

The grounds offer a relaxing stroll with mature trees and unique shrubs and flowers. There are ponds, statuary, a heart-shaped rose garden and a carriage house. The house is available for weddings – nice for those who always dreamed of having a princess-like ceremony. Your imagination runs wild, thinking of who walked these grounds and what they must have talked about over a century ago.

Tours are offered.  Tour schedules can change; I was left to wander the grounds for a good hour when the tour I planned on taking was cancelled. Call before you go: 909- 792-2111.