President Ronald Reagan called it “the Western White House”.
Celebrities, politicians, and heads of state attended functions there.
So how did the Grand Island Mansion become such a regular feature of adult films, such as Insatiable (1980), almost 50 years ago?
Plus: The Rialto Report recently acquired a significant collection of photographs of Marilyn Chambers and Miracle Films productions, the company that made ‘Insatiable.’ In this article, we present a sample of previously unseen pictures taken at the Grand Island Mansion during the ‘Insatiable’ shoot.
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Insatiable (1980), Coed Fever (1980), Society Affairs (1982). These are just some of the XXX films shot at the Grand Island Mansion in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Located just 25 miles outside of Sacramento near the town of Walnut Grove, the property is a spectacular Italian Renaissance styled villa, the largest private estate in Northern California, with many features of classical architecture and expert craftsmanship.
It was built by Mr. Lewis W. Meyers, a successful Californian businessman, who acquired 865 acres of land on Grand Island, where he built a profitable fruit farm (pears, peaches, plums, cherries, and asparagus – in case you were wondering). But Meyers’ wife Henrietta longed for more than trees, bushes, berries – and in 1917, she persuaded her reluctant husband to let her build an opulent residence for the family. He consented, and with the assistance of renowned San Francisco architect J. W. Dolliver, she embarked on the construction of a four-story, 24,000 square foot, 58 room villa, which was completed in 1920. Lewis Meyers was begrudgingly happy with the result – at least for eighteen months, at which point he died in 1922, at the age of 51.
Following his father’s passing, Myers’ son, Louis J. Meyers, turned the mansion into a hub of high society, and it became a favorite haunt for celebrities of the 1920s and 30s, playing host to such luminaries as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, actress Greta Garbo, and mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner. Unfortunately, the Meyers’ good times came to an end along with so many others’ with the arrival of the Great Depression. As their fortunes suffered, they could no longer afford to live in the Mansion they called home, so the house and orchards were parceled off.
The property was sold in the 1950s and passed through different hands. By and large, it proved to be too expensive to be owned by a single family and so was often used as a commercial dining experience or corporate entertainment venue.
In 1978, the Mansion underwent a refurbishment and was turned into a dining, wedding and event venue, featuring in publications such as National Geographic and Architectural Digest. (It even had a brief spell as ‘Xanadu’, an exclusive private club for ‘VIP singles.’)
The new owners main priority was to keep the property afloat commercially, and didn’t object it became a popular venue for shooting adult films.
Publicity photos for the Grand Island Mansion (outdoors):
From the ‘Insatiable’ (1980) shoot:
Publicity photo for the Grand Island Mansion (indoors):
From the ‘Insatiable’ (1980) shoot:
Publicity photos for the Grand Island Mansion (swimming pool):
From the ‘Insatiable’ (1980) shoot:
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Thank you for the – literally – groundbreaking work you provide to this subject.
The film world should have a Rialto Report for every corner.
Thank you so much!
Incredible to see new pics of Marilyn 45 years after the event. Hope you have big plans for the Miracle Films collection!
Awesome Article Keep Up Good Work
Thanks Jeff!
Would love to see the story behind “The house overlooking Stinson Beach” which was used for a bunch of feature films, loops, and magazine shoots in the late 70s/early 80s. I have to figure it was owned by someone connected to the San Francisco industry because of how often it was used. It’s still standing, albeit heavily remodeled with most of the giant skylight roof replaced.
is it up the hill at the dead end by a water tank on the south side of stinson? if thats the one it was Jerry Garcia’s wife mt girl. missy manners husband purchased it late 80s. they filmed red hot firehouse girls in there
In my opinion Insatiable is 1 of the greatest adult films ever made. Marilyn Chambers looked unbelievable & was at her peak physically in my opinion. Kudos for all the hard work & details you put into your research. I hope someday to possibly to see an interview with Jesse St. James & Laura Lazare!
In complete agreement with Yaris and TNT, Marilyn looks absolutely stunning. INSATIABLE marked her return to XXX and she (along with Mr. Segall’s remarkable production), knocked it out of the park. And the Grand Island Mansion has also gracefully endured the test of time. Forty-five years later, it’s all about Weddings, Quinceaneras, Baptisms, and Sunday brunches… but the walls remember the legendary “good old days.”
Beyond adore the RR Location Series… Never fails to stimulate and delight.
– Thelma
Thank you Thelma!
I didn’t care for Marilyn’s sex scenes much to he honest. Never seemed genuine. However I find her visually extremely attractive and her acting was always on point. Thanks for yet another stroll down memory lane.
Thanks for taking the time to visit Sonny!
The pool table scene with Marilyn and David Morris will always be a Top Ten of mine. Thank you for this post!
Thanks for visiting Todd!
I agree with Sonny. I wasn’t too thrilled about those sex scenes either. Way too much fake forced ‘acting’ involved there. She was much more natural in Green Door.
Nonetheless, this location article is very interesting and I’m glad to see the house is still being actively used and not left to ruin. Kudos to the Rialto Report for posting it here. Thanks!
Thanks so much PS!
Many of the classic films of the day have familiar looking locations to me now. Not this mansion but Bay Area locales. My late uncle worked for Pacific Bell in Marin County for nearly 40 years. He had a few stories from his telephone installation days of the 1970’s. Some involved adult films being produced in the hills and dales of the area with probably the most memorable tale involving band members of the Jefferson Airplane. I won’t repeat them as many of the folks are still alive and the stories aren’t very flattering. I was just a kid in the 1970’s but times then seemed much more liberated than they do now. Spent many a day cruising around Mill Valley/Sausalito/Muir Woods-Mount Tam/Stinson Beach and other environs within bike riding distance from my cousins place in Mill Valley. Good Times!
What great memories – thanks for sharing!