Historic house built in 1901. Very charming throughout – and the host lets you have the run of the place. A very nice value. You can walk to the very nice downtown. A couple things on the negative side… There was a fair amount of car noise from street (on Saturday night). Also, breakfast was served without any question about what we wanted (beyond if we had any diet restrictions). In other words, no choice. Having said that, the French toast was yummy, the sausages crisp and the preview fruit bowl with yogurt was delicious. Oh, pillows were too big/bulky - would be nice to have a selection. But, I am getting too picky. :>)

Spalding House is the best recommended B & B in Visalia and quite rightly deserves this honour.

But why stop in Visalia ? well this is the perfect jump off
point to visit both the Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon in a short space of time. Visalia is a small American town with a fairly big population set in a very agricultural area so that at times, one wonders whether one is in Mexico or the
USA. All over there are signs exhorting the migrant labourers to work hard and
reap the benefits and they truly do.

Spalding House is on North Encino Street, at the end of a leafy street edged with wooden panelled Colonial houses and large verandahs and wind chimes hanging in the trees. The ice cream van trundles by on his rounds with a repetitive jingle advising all of his imminent arrival and across the road a little dog, the size of a cup cake and the stamina of a Brontosaurus barks away unheeded. On a sunny, sleepy afternoon it almost feels as if one has stepped into a 1950’s film set.

The house is immaculately kept and a genuine family home, beautifully decorated with luscious, heady blooms of roses in the garden and filling the rooms inside with their scent. The sitting room overlooks a small shaded garden and the library, where one has breakfast is filled with interesting books.

The Spalding Suite is a delight. A large double bed set into an antique four poster with a small narrow bathroom en suite. Leading off the bedroom is a very pleasant corner sitting area decorated with comfortable cane furniture and fly screened windows on both sides, shaded by a large fir tree. A fan whirls overhead giving a soporific effect and one could easily relax and while away the time flicking through the wonderful old books or magazines instead of doing what one came to Visalia to do.

The owner Peggy could not be more charming nor welcoming, in another life we must have been family. Not only were we advised where to eat and where to go and what to do but she almost made the GPS system superfluous. The local restaurants were an easy, pleasant walk away as was the shopping area, such as it was. Do stop by "Flirty's" in case you are missing a figure hugging, fish tailed, spangly, tulle number from your wardrobe!

The breakfast served on a crisp linen cloth set with good china and cutlery and a beautiful fresh rose bowl daily, as good as at any five star hotel. Some of the dishes served have been carefully noted and will be served on our home menu.
Spalding House cannot be more highly recommended and worth every cent.

We had a comfortable nights stay in a really lovely house with a nice breakfast the next morning. Well placed for walking into Visalia centre. Very knowledgeable and pleasant owner.

Peggy Davidson, the owner of Spalding House B & B, welcomed us with a smile that made me feel like I already knew her and was coming home. Her beautiful historic home reflects the warmth of her personality with comfy beds, sitting rooms with a large selection of books and magazines, and a quietness that comforts a weary traveler. This historically intact home is a marvel to see; original windows, floors, woodwork, and so much more. This is by far the best place I have ever stayed away from home. I'll be back.