Crowds Tour Los Gatos Homes

Transcription

Crowds Tour Los Gatos Homes - Los Gatos Observer
http://losgatosobserver.com/los-gatos/Article.php?id=583&action=pr...
Crowds Tour Los Gatos Homes
Annual Historic Homes Tour runs Sun. 10-4
By Alastair Dallas 11/03/07 9:23 pm
The exuberant Queen Anne home at 17940 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd. steals the show from the other five homes on
this year's Historic Homes Tour. The tour is, as always, a fascinating glimpse into a variety of beautifully-decorated
homes and gardens, with a meticulously-researched provenance for each, live music, and antique autos on display.
This year, however, the Mitchell/Hamsher House, the home of Dennis and Kathy Varni, is worth the price of
admisison alone. Not only a tastefully-appointed mansion, it is also a combination museum and antique store,
showcasing hundreds of rare or unique items. The garage is a jaw-dropping, envy-insipring, display of a sampling of
Mr. Varni's vehicle collection.
Garage showcases some of Dennis Varni's vehicle collection
The Home Tour is headquarted at the Tait Ave. Museum, and all six homes are within extended walking distance.
Parking is available at the real estate office next to the Mitchell/Hamsher House on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, at St.
Mary's church up Tait Ave. (although that may be a problem on Sunday), and on the street for all but the
Mitchell/Hamsher House. The tour is $30 per person ($27 for museum members). Proceeds benefit the Museums of
Los Gatos.
Mitchell/Hamsher House
The Mitchell/Hamsher House, built for the Mitchell family in 1890-91, was the home of Los Gatos historian Clarence
F. Hamsher (the source of many of Dr. Bruntz' photographs). Dennis and Kathy Varni bought the house in 1972,
when it was almost derelict, and renovated it over a 15-year period. The turret was added in 1999-2000.
The 4,200 sq. ft. home sits on 1.5 acres, including a water tower, pool, brick patio, outdoor kitchen, and other
ammenities. The current owner's collection of antique vehicles competes with a staggering number of one-of-a-kind
antiques and curios throughout the house. Many visitors were also fascinated by the variety of family photographs
on display throughout. (More photographs below.)
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The Varni Residence at 17940 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd.
Leroy Wright House
Built in 1908 for future mayor Leroy Wright, this 2100 sq. ft. one story home "retains most of its original interior
architecture," according to the program. Wright's in-laws built the Thomas Ham House, also on this year's tour. The
hayloft of the carriage house is now a guest house.
Living Room of the Leroy Wright House
A 1964 Porsche 356 was on display in front of the Leroy Wright House, courtesy of George and Sharon Breein.
William and Anna Blank House
The Blank House was built when the Almond Grove subdivision was just a few years old--before 1891--by William
and Anna Blank, the great-great-grandparents of former Los Gatos Fire Chief Doug Sporleder and ancestors of
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several firefighting Sporleders.
Musicians in the backyard of the Blank House (l to r): Dr. Sheila Humphries, a physician in Los Altos, Erik Hoyer, Music By Erik
(650-968-9698), and LGUSD music teacher Jenny Anderson
The guest house in the rear features a wall of cherry cabinetry, part of which is a full-sized Murphy bed.
Morse/Madison House
A delightful respite, the 750 sq. ft. 1892 Morse/Madison House is filled with clever touches, homey feeling, and a
decorator's sure hand. Docent Elke Groves explained that the sloping floor of a former side porch is perfect for a
desk and chair, because the chair rolls itself under the desk when the owner stands.
Kitchen in 750 sq. ft. Morse/Madison House was a tight squeeze at times
A photograph of the Sutro Baths attracted attention in the dining nook, as did an autographed photo of a young
Brigitte Bardot. The home's outhouse in back has been converted to a water heater enclosure. A second, 500 sq. ft.
cottage is set at the back of the small city lot. "Tenants were mostly singles and didn't stay very long," the program
notes.
Dexter Pierce House
The Dexter Pierce House, on Glen Ridge Ave., was built for Dexter and Cynthia Pierce. The second floor bedroom
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features a view of St. Mary's bell tower, and the surprising vista across the Santa Clara Valley from the rear deck
illustrates why Glen Ridge has always been so desirable.
Docent Kathryn Morgan graces the porch of the Dexter Pierce House. Morgan is a former Los Gatos Planning Commissioner and retired
Los Gatos High School teacher.
The current owners of the Pierce House are renovating the rear accessory building that the Pierces used as a
boarding house.
Dexter Pierce House on Glen Ridge Avenue, with 1921 Hupmobile (courtesy of Dan and Susie Snetsinger) parked in front
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Dexter Pierce House living room features stained glass and the music of pianist Don Weller (408-356-4345)
Thomas Ham House
In the heart of the Almond Grove neighborhood, the 2,050 sq. ft. Ham House was built in 1910 by Cordelia and
Hiram Dickinson. Englishman Ham, a miner, bought the house in 1919. Unlike many homes in Los Gatos, this one
"has seen minimum modification," according to Pat Dunning and Elizabeth Ross' program.
Cozy kitchen at the Thomas Ham House opens to the back yard
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Los Gatos High School violinists freshman Laura Navarini (left) and senior Lynn Szyjewicz explain the instrument to Hallie, 4, and her
mother, Kendra Burch, of the Historic Preservation Committee
More Mitchell/Hamsher House
The turret of the Mitchell/Hamsher House is a comfortable den
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Collection of bird houses and garden animation on "Kathy's Hill"
Eye-catching stove competes with antique slot machines and other paraphrenalia at the Mitchell/Hamsher House
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A rabbit from a carousel guards the stair. The railing and paneling are beautiful, but not original
Judy Kane plays the flute, accompanied by her daughter, Holly Kane, on the violin
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No ordinary garage--the long building in the background holds some of Dennis Varni's antique vehicle collection
Indian motorbike in Dennis Varni's collection
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This cozy room leads to the ten or twelve-car garage beyond
Glass display cabinets in the garage brim with automotive antiques
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Mitchell/Hamsher House interior
One of only 159 Packards made in 1958, courtesy of Steve and Kathleen Clarke, displayed in front of the Tait Art Museum, headquarters of
the Historic Homes Tour
Printed from the Los Gatos Observer (http://losgatosobserver.com) 11/07/07 3:47 pm
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Crowds Tour Los Gatos Homes

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