Innkeeper's Story

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Step Into Our World..

from Dunbar House, 1880 Inn

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And enjoy the wonders that historic Murphys, the “Queen of the Sierra” has to offer.

We, and our exceptional staff here at Dunbar House 1880, enjoy creating for our guests a private haven of relaxation, comfort and ease.

“I’m not buying any &#@% Bed and Breakfast,” were the first words that Rich uttered when Arline jumped on the bed with excitement, saying, “It’s for sale!” “The Inn is for sale!” Growing up in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in Hudson Falls, New York, Arline always dreamed of owning a B&B on the East Coast. After staying at Dunbar House for three days, Arline went to thank Barbara and Bob Costa, the previous owners, for their hospitality, and to let them know that the Dunbar House was the epitome of what a B&B should be. Arline said she would love to own a place just like Dunbar House, but most likely back East, preferably, Maine. Barbara’s response was, “Well, honey, it’s not Maine …but it’s for sale.”

We purchased the Dunbar House in 2004 . Guests that have come back to visit us again and again, are always relieved to see that nothing has changed, and that they are still gently cared for by our wonderful staff.

Arline was head chef at one of the fraternity houses at Stanford University, and for a sorority at San Jose State University. The college crowd enjoyed Arline's creative dishes and proclaimed her a “goddess” after sampling her scrumptious desserts. Arline was instrumental in formulating and teaching Tamale Workshop Classes through the San Jose and Santa Clara Adult Education Program. Arline is now excited to create new recipes, and share her passion for cooking with the Dunbar guests.

Rich has been in the high tech business for over 30 years. After graduating from Stevens Tech in Hoboken, New Jersey, he took his first engineering job with IBM in New York ’s Hudson Valley. Seven years later, Rich had an offer from Amdahl and they moved us out to sunny California. Rich left Amdahl after 13 years. Since then, Rich and his partner struck out on their own and successfully started a chip company called nSerial, which they they sold in 2001.

Rich then took off some well deserved time in 2002, leveled most of our family home in Campbell, CA, and he and our children spent two years rebuilding the house by themselves. It was a great opportunity for all of the kids to learn to build with their dad, who is very skilled craftsman, and to learn the value of earning a days pay for a days work. We, like they themselves, are all very proud of the outstanding job that they did.

We have four children, Richard, Jr., Bethany, Jillian and Michael. We have two grandchildren…so far. Richard, Jr. is a talented car mechanic, carpenter and all around fix-it guy, who can build anything, just like his dad. Richie has an 8 year old son, Skyler, who loves going to San Jose Shark games. Jillian has a 5 year old daughter, Shaylee, and lives in the state of Washington. When Jill and her husband, Ian, aren't working, you can find them motoring around in their boat, out on many of Washington's beautiful lakes. After graduating from California State University, Long Beach in 2007, Bethany accepted a job in her field of expertise, and moved lock, stock and barrel up to Washington near her sister. Surprisingly, Michael, our youngest, decided to move to the Seattle area as well where he is working, and going to school.

Rich’s view of owning a B&B has changed considerably since telling me he wasn't going to buy any Bed and Breakfast. In fact, we sold our family home in Campbell, CA, and have "Retired" to Dunbar House. It was a little hard to sell "the family home," especially when everyone of us put our heart and soul into building it...but the kids are all grown now, and have moved on...and so must we.

You can always find Rich either outside working around the yard, under the house, or on top of the roof. Rich is happiest when he is busy building or fixing something. If you love old cars, especially Mopar Muscle Cars, Rich will be happy to show you his "babies." You will usually find Arline creating and testing out new recipes in the kitchen, where she is always looking for guinea pigs, I mean, tasters.

We find Murphys every bit as beautiful as the Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks. We especially love the close-knit, community feeling.

Owning and running Dunbar House is a continuous journey. We invite you to come join us and share our journey. We, and our staff, are looking forward to being of service to you, and until we meet…

Warm wishes,
Rich and Arline

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