When I got to college, it was a toss-up over focusing on the arts or becoming a history major. I chose the arts, but have found that my love for history still has an affect on how I view – and react – to the everyday.
This 5 bedroom, 4 bath home located at 201 8th St. in Petaluma isn’t just stunning, it was built by architect Albert Farr in 1923, and is done in the Spanish Revival style. This style was fashionable back then, with Spanish land grants being a big part of how Sonoma County was created.
Though this house has been upgraded and improved over the years; modern kitchen appliances, double paned windows, etc., it’s still true to its historical roots.
As always, I like to get a feeling for the home by looking at what’s been done with the land. This house sits on 7,536 square feet, and I appreciate every foot of what they’ve done with the inner courtyard.
Let’s face it: Petaluma gets hot in the summer. This pool has got to be the homeowner’s favorite part of the house.
This balcony offers guests a place to sit and enjoy the pool without necessarily needing to risk being splashed or cajoled into a game of Marco Polo when all they want to do is relax.
I could continue to write about this courtyard alone; I didn’t expect to see a rustic outdoor dining cabana. The stone floor, exposed beams, and stucco on the ceiling complements the stucco exterior of the house flawlessly. If this is an addition, I’d love to get the number of the contractor who added it – my 1920’s house can use a bit of continuity, too.
Heading back to the front of the home, the stucco that’s a trademark of Spanish revival is clearly apparent.
Coming through the front entry, there’s an open area where tall sets of glass doors face the pool area, and exposed beams and rounded door frames continue the Spanish aesthetic.
The living room is the perfect size for holiday entertaining, family gatherings, or just lounging around. While the décor isn’t my taste, the oversized couches and large fireplace are.
Off to the side of the living room is a casual dining area, set close enough to the main room that anyone who wants to sit and talk quietly won’t feel that they’re missing out on what’s happening, but far enough away to take a break from hosting.
Of course there’s a formal dining area as well, the chandelier and exposed beams making certain to keep it period specific.
This professional kitchen is roomy and has 1920’s touches like mosaic tiling and stone flooring. However, all the appliances are thoroughly modern and robust enough to make meals for all sizes of gatherings.
Another view of the kitchen.
Off to the side of the entry is this custom wooden staircase that’s been well maintained through decades of use.
Naturally, there’s a den. Warm colors and wood furniture abound.
I love the coffered ceiling in this master bedroom, along with the small carriage lights over the headboard and what looks like my dream closet over on the side…
And yes, this is my dream closet – complete with a wooden bench for putting stockings on and cabinets to hide any poorly made fashion choices. (I have many of them, it took me forty years to realize neutrals are my friend.)
This home has five bedrooms, but being that they’re all variations on the same theme, I won’t explore them all. This room stuck out because it’s clearly a children’s room, and I know first hand how hard it is to keep them clean, let alone staged as well as this.
This room is complete with a dream closet and dressing area. It has to feel very much like living in a Spanish castle and getting prepared for your day in front of a fairytale mirror – I will admit to much jealousy.
I will show this third bedroom because it appears to be about the same size as the kid’s room – a bit of paint and a different motif can make an area that’s relatively the same, size-wise, into an entirely unique space.
In conclusion, I always look for a garage. In the 1920’s, these may even have been horse stalls. (actually, as early as this home was built, it’s relatively certain they were.)