The home of James and Laura Parke, circa 1905 with its original Victorian facade.

This gracious palace that sits high on the cliffs of Pacific Grove overlooking the rocky coastline of the Monterey Bay, was built in 1899. In 1901 Laura and James Parke, of Parke Davis Pharmaceuticals, purchased it for their family home. Laura is remembered as a reigning regal lady who entertained many dignitaries in this beautiful home. The house was originally a true Victorian with a cupola, dormers and grape

James and Laura and the Parke House, circa 1915.

arbors.

Remodeling was almost constant on the house. The living and dining rooms were extended six feet utilizing the grape arbor as a foundation. The cupolas and dormers were removed, the house was stuccoed, and six foot high walls were erected enclosing the estate. It was converted from a Victorian to a Mediterranean style house.

In 1925 a large playroom was added for the Parkes' two adopted daughters, Louisa and Francine, as well as an apartment for Mrs. Parke's brother. The maids' quarters were expanded to meet the needs of the expanded home.

The Parke House after it was remodeled in a Mediterranean style in the mid-1920's.

The remodeling was performed by Richard Chivers with much of the molding, railings and cabinetwork made by the water-driven equipment in Mr. Chiver's PG shop. James Parke, being fond of exotic wood, employed Richard to purchase wood in San Francisco and to create Siamese Teak outside gates, Honduras Mahogany trim in the parlor and dining rooms, and a Spanish Cedar staircase.

The original courtyard behind the Parke House. The rear fountain is still intact.

There is a pond with an Oriental fountain located in the courtyard behind the house that is protected by a 14 foot high wall. The carriage house directly faces the courtyard. In past years, the carriage house held various makes of cars, including a 1937 Packard Dual Cowl Phaeton. The Parkes' nephew, James Oliver, was the chauffeur and caretaker with his quarters there.

The old staff call system no longer operates, but the number box and bell still exist on the kitchen wall. Buttons were located in each room and under the carpet in the dining room. Pushing the button caused the bell to ring in the kitchen. The servants would check the number to tell them which room needed service.

The Parke House before it was purchased by the Martines.

   
In 1942 Mrs. Parke, along with many other Pacific Grove citizens, sighted submarines in the Bay.

When renovation first began.

Mr. Parke was already in poor health, and the frightening experience of sighting the submarines took its toll. The Parke estate was sold to Nancy Ryan and the Parkes moved into the Forest Hill Hotel, living out the rest of their lives there.

In 1972 Norah and Homer Martine and their son Don purchased the Parke home. Twelve years later Don fully renovated the grand mansion. He replaced the worn out plumbing, installed a new heating system with individual room controls and replaced the old knob and tube wiring. All fixtures are authentic, turn of the century antiques, including push button light switches, claw foot tubs, brass fixtures, marble sinks, etc.

Careful attention has been given to restoring the fine Victorian interior details, with paint removed from the mahogany and oak trim, inlaid oak and mahogany floor stripped and refinished.

Lowering the floor on the ground level.

The ceilings on the ground floor were only 6½ feet high, which was fine at the turn of the century but unsatisfactory by today's standards. The cement floor had to be removed and lowered two feet, requiring new foundations be poured for the front of the house. The game room was completed shortly after the opening of the inn in 1984. The game room is located in the former shuffle board and patio furniture storage area.

Sally Parke was the sister of James and lived in a home constructed for her on the family compound. She was trained in Paris and is a renowned early California landscape artist. Some of her art is shown in the Parlor and other artwork of that period and style are shown throughout the inn.

Considerable reconstruction was done to complete the Inn.

The former maids' quarters were on the first floor next to the kitchen, and were the private area for Don, who continued to reside in the house from 1984 through 1989. In 1989 Don purchased the house to the rear of the Carriage House as his residence. The doorbell, phone and TV cameras are all active in this house so someone is available 24 hours a day.

After the completion of the building restoration, Don researched authentic Victorian wall coverings and paint colors to complete the luxurious interior design. Each room is entirely different in color, wall covering, fabrics, and furniture design.