A story that begins in 1876 and continues today
The Beginning: 1876 and the Birth of a Town
In 1876, the same year the town of Occidental took shape along the North Pacific Coast Railroad, a house was built on Church Street as part of an ambitious early town-building effort led by M.C. Meeker. Constructed by the Meeker Brothers, this home would go on to become the oldest surviving residential structure in Occidental.
At the time, the region was defined by redwood logging, rail transport, and a steady flow of travelers from San Francisco seeking fresh air among the towering trees. This house stood at the center of that early energy, quietly witnessing the birth of a community.
Occidental between May 1900 and February 1902, when the original Native Sons Hall (lower right) was destroyed by fire. The second white house (arrow) to the left of the church now forms the core of the Inn at Occidental. The brick structure with the five bay windows is the Hansen Building. (Collection of Henry Guidici)
From Home to Enterprise: Late 1800s – Early 1900s
By the late 1880s, the building had already begun to evolve with the town. It became the headquarters of a soda bottling company operated by Burt C. Philbrick, reflecting a period when Occidental supported small but vibrant local industries tied to the railroad economy.
By around 1904, the structure returned to its residential roots, functioning as a private rental home. In the 1920s, it was occupied by members of the Gonnella family, well known in the area for their role in Occidental’s culinary and hospitality traditions, a connection that feels especially fitting given the Inn’s present-day focus on food, wine, and gathering.
This photo, one of the few which shows the house which became the Glad Tidings office (above the roof peak of the livery stable on the right) was taken before the North Pacific Coast Railroad depot was moved north in May of 1886. (Collection of the Blaney family)
Reinvention and Near Loss: The 20th Century
The building’s survival was not guaranteed.
In the late 1970s, builder Charlie Tonka undertook an ambitious conversion of the property into an inn. Tonka, whose Hungarian family had a legacy of building castles for European royalty, brought vision and craftsmanship to the project. But despite the effort, the venture failed, and the building sat vacant for several years, a quiet reminder of how easily history can be lost.
A New Life as an Inn: 1988 – 2003
In 1988, the property found new life when Justine and Howard Selinger purchased and restored it, opening it as The Heart’s Desire Inn. Their vision brought warmth and creativity into the space, with the lower level hosting small shops and exhibits featuring local artisans.
In 1994, Jack Bullard took ownership and expanded the property significantly. Known for his vibrant personality and love of antiques, he added guest rooms and infused the Inn with a distinctive, eclectic character. In 2000, a two-story courtyard building and a neighboring guest house were added, shaping much of the footprint guests experience today.
By 2003, ownership passed to Tina and Jerry Wolsborn, seasoned hospitality professionals who fulfilled a long-held dream of running a bed and breakfast. Their stewardship continued the tradition of personal, guest-focused hospitality that defines the Inn.
Today: A New Chapter at the Inn at Occidental
Today, the Inn enters its next chapter under new owners, Matthew & Victoria Meblin. Here, guests experience the true spirit of Wine Country: warm hospitality, local flavors, and a deep connection to the land and community.
With deep respect for the building’s 150-year history, our vision is not to reinvent it, but to elevate and refine what has always been special about this place.
The Inn at Occidental is becoming:
- A wine country retreat rooted in Sonoma County’s world-class vineyards
- A gathering place for music, culinary experiences, and community
- A restorative escape that blends redwood serenity with refined hospitality
Where earlier generations adapted the building to survive, our focus is to help it thrive. That means thoughtful upgrades, stronger connections to local wineries and makers, and experiences that feel both elevated and authentic to Occidental’s spirit.
At its core, however, nothing has changed.
This is still the same house built in 1876.
Still standing. Still welcoming. Still evolving.
In Closing
There are not many places where you can sit with a glass of Sonoma Pinot Noir and know that nearly 150 years of history surround you. Fewer still where that history feels alive, not preserved behind glass, but continuing to unfold.
