Yahoo Lifestyle This $4 Million Historic Central California Estate Is a 20th-Century Time Capsule
A historic Colonial Revival-style estate in the middle of California is a rare glimpse into the area’s early 20th-century design. Located in Del Rey, California, a suburb just outside of Fresno, the home was built in 1910 by Sun-Maid Raisins founder, farmer HH Welsh, and designed by Iowa-born architect JJ Blick. Sun-Maid is now the world’s largest producer and processor of raisins and other dried fruits, but began in 1912 from humble beginnings.
Blick, known for his diverse architectural work spanning a range of styles including Mission, Colonial, and Arts and Crafts, had an indelible mark on Southern California architecture. He designed Pasadena’s Lunkenheimer Estate and U.S. Army General George S. Patton’s home in San Marino. In 1930, President Herbert Hoover visited the home and stayed overnight, adding to its historic appeal. This home is also rare in that it’s the only Blick-designed structure in the region, and now, it’s listed for $4 million by listing agent Sarah Hedrick. The sellers are John Feaster, a retired dentist, and his wife, Valarie, who bought the home in 2005 for $1.3 million. When they purchased the 100-plus-year-old property, they also purchased many of the home’s original furniture pieces and precious fixtures.
More from Robb Report
This $6 Million Hamptons Property Combines a Quaint Cottage With a Modern Manse
This $47 Million London Mansion Is the City's First Super-Prime Sale of the Year
Americans Are Rushing to Spain Before Its Golden Visa Program Ends
The 7,850-square-foot home sits on nearly six lush acres and has been meticulously restored under the Feaster’s stewardship but maintains a historic look and feel. There are six bedrooms and four bathrooms filtered throughout two levels. The gated property is fronted by large lawns and a winding driveway flanked by leafy, mature trees that leads to a landscaped motor court with a porte cochère. The home has polished hardwood floors, paneled walls, and earthy tones of copper and mahogany. Of the many original features is a grand Spanish mahogany and oak staircase that leads to the second floor, as well as stained-glass windows from Kokomo.
Off the foyer is the cozy living room with one of the home’s many Ernest Batchelder–tiled fireplaces. Batchelder was a Southern California-based artist and leader in the American Arts and Crafts movement who created beautiful tiles. There’s a second living room with another fireplace, formal dining room, office, and sunrooms. In addition to the hardwood floors, original features include custom silk-padded walls, chandeliers, and rare Limoges porcelain door knobs from France. It’s been updated with modern comforts like solar panels and heating and cooling. The study is particularly impressive and looks stuck in time with built-in cabinets with hand-rubbed lacquer, custom Donghia fabric drapery, and beautiful silk walls. There’s also a gourmet farmhouse-style kitchen with a Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator, ample storage, and a breakfast nook.
There are many bedrooms located upstairs, including the spacious primary suite that overlooks the verdant grounds. It has a fireplace and private terrace access, plus a large bathroom with heated marble floors and marble countertops. Outside is a garden sanctuary, with David Austen roses, 100-year-old pomegranate and fig trees, a chicken coop, and 50 fruit trees. There’s also an outdoor kitchen and seating area underneath a pergola and water fountains.
Click here for more photos of this California Colonial Revival Estate.
Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
