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The O’Donnell House at The Willows Historic Inn

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Why We Like This Place

Imagine: You arrive at your exclusive mountainside hideaway, a private Mediterranean-style villa that simply radiates Old World charm. The wrought-iron gates open, admitting only you and your privileged guests. Under the shade of towering palms, you leisurely make your way up the flagstone steps, past trailing magenta bougainvillea and cactus bowers along a creek. You pause in the foyer to admire the extraordinary frescoed coved ceiling. Inside the Great Room, arched windows frame a striking desert panorama. You settle back into an overstuffed sofa by the fireplace, surrounded by antiques from bygone decades. The Past merges with the Present as you begin to sense what it was like in those early days, when The Willows hosted the most discriminating of guests…glamorous movie stars, powerful politicos, world-class intellectuals…and now, you.

Originally built in 1927, The Willows has been lovingly restored to its former magnificence. And judging by the awards and raves this unique venue has garnered, the project was a smashing success.

For your special event, you have the choice of two sites: The Willows itself or The O’Donnell House, a separate estate that can accommodate a larger bash, just up the hill. The adventurous skip the car ride and climb the steps up the hill, enjoying the desert birds frolicking among the rocks and greenery. At the entrance, a sign on the wrought-iron gates proclaims “Ojo del Desierto”—Eye of the Desert—and the sweeping valley vistas certainly make you feel that all the desert delights are yours to command. The rooms in this two-story Spanish Revival home feature original tile floors, redwood beams, antique furnishings and windows with a view. Outside, an expansive cliffside stone terrace seems to float above the world. Behind the house, rock archways lead to green meadows with colorful desert blooms—a romantic setting for a wedding ceremony. Whether sealing your vows with a kiss amid the mountain wilderness, dancing cheek to cheek on the terrace, or wishing on a star from the upstairs balcony, you’ll enjoy being close to nature and yet so pampered at The O’Donnell House.

You can reserve The O’Donnell on its own, but we recommend taking advantage of one of the event packages, which lets you stay and/or celebrate inside the Inn. The Willows’ Great Room, with its high, open-beam ceiling, Spanish wrought-iron sconces and chandeliers, and grand piano conveys an air of refined luxury for intimate receptions. French doors open onto the Veranda, which can also be set up for cocktails. Receptions also flow into the adjacent Dining Room, which features a breathtaking coffered ceiling with hand-painted frescoes and antique brass chandeliers. A cut-stone floor and a hearth lavished in Spanish tiles enhance the rustic, Mediterranean ambiance. Sliding glass doors open to a patio, where a waterfall cascades over a rock wall into a garden pool. Usually, this dreamy setting is reserved for guests staying at the Inn, but everyone in your party gets to savor the splendor.

Each of The Willows’ seductive guestrooms has its own individual style—so how to choose? The Marion Davies Room is certainly tempting, with sumptuous pearl-white bedding and a satin chaise lounge in the bathroom, and a claw-foot tub big enough for two. A balcony overlooks the pool, and there are comfy loveseats for curling up by the fireplace. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent part of their honeymoon in the Library, which boasts rich mahogany furniture, an elaborate coffered ceiling, and French doors that open onto a private garden courtyard. Or cuddle up to the Loft’s serene mountain views, and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waterfall…

Steeped in historic glamour, The Willows pays homage to memories; why not use this divine setting to create some lasting memories of your own.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 50 Max. Seated Outdoors: 125	Max. Seated Indoors: 50 Max. Seated Outdoors: 150 Max. Standing Indoors: 50 Max. Standing Outdoors: 150	Max. Seated: 50
CEREMONY Capacity: The site accommodates 50 seated guests indoors and 125 seated outdoors. EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The site holds up to 50 seated or standing guests indoors and 150 seated or standing outdoors.

Fees & Deposits

A deposit of 50% of the total is required to reserve your date and the balance is due 30 days prior to the event. The basic rental fee for The O’Donnell House is $8,250-$9,000 depending on expected guest count. Deluxe Event Packages which include additional services and amenities are also available, and provide a greater overall value. Please inquire for details.

Availability

September–June, daily, 11am–10pm.

Catering Choose From List BYO Alcohol Provided BYO Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/Amenities Catering: preferred caterer or BYO, extra charge Kitchen Facilities: no Tables & Chairs: provided (limited number) Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO Restrooms: yes, though not ADA compliant. Dance Floor: yes Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: provided Meeting Equipment: BYO Parking: valet and/or shuttle service required Accommodations: 8 guestrooms in Willows, 4 guestrooms in O’Donnell Telephone: in guestrooms Outdoor Night Lighting: minimal, extra CBA Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: through caterer View: San Jacinto Mountains, waterfall, garden cityscape from The O’Donnell House

Amplified Music Indoors Outdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Access Limited Site Views Canyon Cityscape Creek/River Fountain/Water Feature Garden Garden Patio/Courtyard Golf Course Fairways Mountains Panoramic Waterfall Venue Type Banquet Hall/Events Facility Historic/Landmark Building Inn/Lodge Restrictions Alcohol: provided or BYO, licensed server Smoking: no Music: amplified OK until 10pm Wheelchair Access: limited Insurance: liability required Other: no rice, birdseed or confetti

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