TRAVEL PRO’S HOST 5-STAR STAY
Dark navy walls, deep orange curtains, butcher-block counters, an attic shower with an oversized skylight (to watch the stars, of course), a corrugated metal fence, a dash of bronze, and the revival of Victorian drama make Moonrise on Mill St. the deeply moody “off-Broad Street” Inn nestled discreetly in the heart of Nevada City’s downtown. “I wanted a design project,” confesses Jess Witte, host, owner, designer, Grass Valley local, and self-proclaimed city-girl with 75 countries to her name. “I lived in Korea for a year, I lived in Wales for a year; I’m so inspired by international cultures; what they’re eating, their lifestyle, the design of their cities and homes––but the beauty is always what I take in first.”
Photos by Alyssa Keys
Devotees to Scandinavian bohemia, with its neutral wood-tones and modern desert bohemia, Jess and her husband, Zac Witte, found themselves drawn to the bold contrast and unconventional trends of color, texture, and worldly influence when reimagining their inn for future guests. “The house is what historians call Folk Victorian,” Jess shares, “Both the Main Residence and the Carriage Haus were built in 1890 and were originally owned by a female entrepreneur named Mary Elizabeth Beedle, who was married to a miner, so we felt like we had to fit the home and all its rich history. We wanted to give it depth, and a touch of mystery, while still honoring the lived-in feel of a century-old structure. It was very simple for its time, not super ornate or flashy, built more for the working class.”
Married at The Miner’s Foundry in 2019, Jess and Zac quickly made Nevada County their permanent residence in 2020, drawn to the Yuba, the quaint small-town architecture, the local community, and the slower pace, these now parents-of-two have found a home in the trees while retaining their city-like elegance, meeting the needs of ambiance-loving travelers in the intimacy of a private rental. “This house was something I was craving,” Jess continues. “I’m someone who always needs a big project (despite the stress) and this was hard, especially with two full time jobs and a baby. But even now that the renovations have finished, it’s continuing to satisfy that travel bug in me as I welcome our guests.”
Moonrise on Mill St. sleeps 11 between the 1 bedroom 1 bath Carriage Haus and the Main Residence, which features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a kitchen designed for a chef–with open shelving, wood cabinets, a stainless steel backsplash, and an oversized 6-burner red Viking stove. “Zac and I spent countless hours laboring over every detail, reviewing literally thousands of lamps, couches, and art pieces to find the perfect items to complement our style. It shows in the way our guests often ask us where we got something. We wanted to balance serious with whimsical, staying rooted in history while inserting a touch of modern culture.”
Facing the historic Methodist Church, just a block from Nevada City’s downtown nightlife, farm-to-table restaurants, live theater, boutique retail, popular trails, and a host of coffee shops, breweries, and vintage stores, Moonrise on Mill St. Inn remains a best-kept-secret of both privacy and convenience. “This home feels like an offering to curious travelers who may otherwise never have had the chance to experience the gold rush from the perspective of a local,” says Jess. “We also, very literally, put our blood, sweat, and tears into this remodel over the year and a half it took to do it and it’s such a joy to see the home being used to welcome families and wedding parties, many of whom are attending the same venue where Zac and I were married five years ago.”
Wedding parties, family gatherings, local events, community dinners, Moonrise on Mill St. Inn is garnering the attention it deserves, serving as the backdrop for photoshoots and memories delivered by a family, and host, who believe good travel includes well-designed, time-honoring accommodations that steep guests in history, atmosphere, and hospitality. “Jess has a very high standard,” adds Zac, “I see it both in her cleanliness and the guest experience. She holds herself to the same expectations she has for her and I when we’re traveling, and you see that in her design––from the hammered bronze coffee table, to the asian-inspired lamp, to the dark-oil-painting artwork, to the ornate wardrobe and farmhouse table. So much of this home is the result of her travels in India, Vietnam, Jordan, Morocco––everywhere she’s been. She is also a very natural people-person, so this is not a faceless business, it’s a way for her to continue to travel while also being a full-time engineer and mom. Ultimately, I think her personality and experience comes through, and it shows in our reviews.”
Which are all 5 stars.
107 Mill St, Nevada City, 95959
530-264-8810
