Lamb’s Victorian Inn: A “home away from home” in Grass Valley

VISITORS WILL MARVEL AT THE B&B RUN BY John and Janet Lamb in historic Grass Valley: heavenly beds, delicious homemade breakfasts, manicured gardens, and a two-minute walk to town for dinner, wine tasting and entertainment.

Located on a leafy green corner lot on Church Street, Lamb’s Victorian Inn is only a short distance to Empire Mine State Historic Park, the Yuba River, vineyards, wineries, golf courses, the County Fairgrounds and other attractions.

“The foothills are spectacular,” says Janet, who with her husband moved to Grass Valley from the Bay Area two years ago to open the B&B. She cited the area’s natural beauty and its thriving arts and culture scene, among other attributes.

After becoming “empty nesters,” the Lambs looked all over California for a B&B before settling on the one they found in Grass Valley. “We fell in love with this property,” says Janet.

The five-bedroom Victorian home has an enchanting history. In the Gold Rush era, Rosina Farrington Stone grew up in the house and became the first school teacher in Grass Valley, according to a book The Gold Thimble by Barbara Ann Warren.

Author Warren visited the home where her ancestors had lived—as the Lamb’s first guest—and the couple offers the book to their guests.

Wedding parties also enjoy staying at the B&B for its vintage aesthetics, peaceful accommodations, claw-foot tub and “mimosas on the patio,” as one bride expressed.

FAMOUS GUESTS

The renowned Boston Brass quintet, which has performed around the world, stayed at the B&B this spring during a local performance hosted by InConcert Sierra.

“We’re a home away from home,” says John, who with Janet are effervescent and well-traveled hosts. Their combined experience is well suited to B&B ownership, including restaurants, retail and human resources. Janet has spent the past several years “inn-sitting” for vacationing B&B owners in Sebastopol, Sonoma and Monterey.

The guest rooms are spacious and furnished with period furniture. Each room, with its own private bath, is equipped with fluffy robes and hair dryers. The rooms are named after Lola Montez, Lotta Crabtree, Sally Stanford and Marilyn Monroe.

The Sally Stanford Suite features a spacious master bedroom with a king-size, four-poster bed and a window seat. It has an adjoining room, a Victorian bathroom with claw-foot tub and shower, and access to a private patio.

The Lambs live in an adjacent loft-style vintage barn, affording added privacy for guests. A paved lot in between the two homes offers off-street parking. Guests also have access to the Lamb’s swimming pool and hot tub.

The Lamb’s homemade breakfasts are exquisite, with fresh, local ingredients and artisan products from throughout Northern California—an enterprising touch. Examples include cheese, mushroom and spinach strata; a garden quiche; orange-blossom French toast; scones; and homemade granola from their son’s business, “Garrett’s Granola.” Artisan breakfast items include extraordinary smokehouse bacon and fresh roasted coffee.
For more information visit, LambsVictorianInn.com.

HOMEMADE COOKIE RECIPE
These homemade cookies are offered to guests at Lamb’s Victorian Inn:

In Mixer:
2/3 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 stick browned unsalted butter (whisk when foamy)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sift together
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Add sifted ingredients

Then add:
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried cranberries

Make balls and flatten a bit with bottom of a buttered glass dipped in sugar.

Bake at 350 for 9-10 minutes

(Photo: Randy Jackson Photography)

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