A Legacy Rooted in Sausalito’s History
For more than two centuries, Sausalito has drawn the elite, the infamous, the artistic, and the bohemian. In 1775, European settlers arrived and named the area “Saucito,” meaning “Little Willow” in Spanish, inspired by the graceful willows that lined its stream banks.
The historic Gables Inn Sausalito, originally built in 1869, holds a special place in the city's story as the first commercial building constructed in Sausalito. Serving as a welcoming hotel for local travelers and shipyard workers, the Inn quickly became a cherished part of the community’s early days.
Our story begins in 1850, when John E. Shoobert, a wool merchant, and his wife emigrated from Sydney, Australia to San Francisco. Soon after, they chose the peaceful beauty of Sausalito to call home — laying the foundations for what would become one of the town’s most beloved landmarks.
The Historic Legacy of The Gables Inn Sausalito
The site where The Gables Inn Sausalito stands today was once a serene grove of Buckeye trees, home to the Damon Brothers Picnic Grounds. During this era, a dance floor was constructed amid the trees, and the lively spot became known as “Damon’s Hall.”
In 1869, John E. Shoobert built the structure that would become a cornerstone of Sausalito’s history — believed to be the town’s first commercial building. By 1880, it was known simply as the First Hotel. An 1869 map from the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company even identifies the property as the “Sausalito Hotel.”
The building later passed to two of Shoobert’s daughters, Mrs. Lillian Martin and Alicia Shoobert. Continuing its tradition of hospitality, it welcomed shipyard workers and travelers, operating under the names “Shoobert House” and, affectionately, “Red Gables.”
As time passed and the structure began to deteriorate, the sisters chose to sell. In 1904, the building was purchased by the Sausalito Board of Trustees for $10,000. It was then transformed into the new Town Hall of Sausalito, serving the community until 1919.
During the devastating influenza outbreak of that year, the building found a new purpose, offering care and refuge as a makeshift hospital, with separate wards for men and women.
Today, The Gables Inn continues to honor its remarkable past — a testament to Sausalito’s enduring spirit of hospitality, resilience, and charm.
The Evolving Story of The Gables Inn Sausalito
The Shoobert family was deeply involved in Sausalito’s early civic life. In those days, the town was a colorful mix of dirt roads, pool halls, gambling dens, and lively drinking establishments. The community was sharply divided — the more conservative residents were known as the “uphill people,” while the spirited crowd along the waterfront earned the nickname “waterfront gang.”
In 1913, Alicia Shoobert championed the election of a conservative mayor and town council to help “clean up” Sausalito’s reputation. That same year, Mrs. Shoobert became one of the founding members of the esteemed Sausalito Woman’s Club, an organization still celebrated today.
In 1920, the historic building changed hands again, sold to the Christian Science Church. It served as a place of worship and community gathering until 1967, when a new church building was completed elsewhere in town. From 1967 to 1994, the original structure housed a variety of local businesses, each adding another chapter to its vibrant history.
In 1995, Abraham and Patricia Chador acquired the property. After thoughtful study and collaboration with their son, Daniel, the family decided to restore the building to its original purpose — welcoming guests as a hotel once again.
In the summer of 2007, Daniel Chador and his longtime friend Bruce Pratt expanded the vision, acquiring the adjacent building and undertaking an extensive remodel. Six new luxury rooms were added, blending historic charm with modern elegance.
Today, we are proud to present the beautifully renovated and expanded Gables Inn Sausalito — a boutique hotel where history, hospitality, and heart come together to create an unforgettable stay.
Old photograph of Sausalito, circa 1850
Before the Golden Gate Bridge, visitors traveling to Sausalito arrived by ferry from San Francisco. Photo Courtesy of California Historical Society, North Baker Research Library, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco
Sausalito Charm