When you spend most of your waking hours looking through – and visiting – newly listed homes throughout Sonoma County, there becomes a familiarity to what can be expected in each town. I’m fairly sure I pass up some pretty great listings once in awhile because there’s just too many houses with that same amenity (saunas, heated floors…)
But my weakness is historical homes (and wine cellars) so when I came across this 1910 house on McDonald Avenue that was not only kept true to the decade but also had a wine cellar and…wait for it…a pool with a built-in slide, I was sold.
The millwork throughout the interior of this estate is flawless, and as this house hasn’t been on the market for over thirty years, you know it’s because the current homeowners have been maintaining this gem for decades. There’s nothing last minute or slapped together – this is a house that’s been cared for by homeowners with a sense of the history in the house, and in the town.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been floored when seeing a high-end estate, but this one is a historical gem that, as far as I can tell, has never been allowed to fall into disrepair. If a homebuyer is a fan of all things historical, it doesn’t get much better than this. If you’d like to step inside a time capsule, go ahead and scroll through the gallery…
Stunning 1910 Estate in Santa Rosa Just Listed at 2.9M
718 Mcdonald Ave, Santa Rosa - $2,950,000
5 beds, 4 baths, 4,449 square feet. Year built: 1910.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
This traditional Craftsman style home was designed by architect Brainerd Jones, and the homeowners have taken care to keep it as original as possible. That being said, there are some pretty great additions to the yard, click through to see what I mean...
Backyard. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
For example, it's almost easy to overlook what wonderful condition the house is in when it's vying for attention with this custom pool. Hello, summer. But wait, it gets better, scroll to find out...
Pool waterslide. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
It's a custom waterslide. These homeowners either like to party, or they're the coolest grandparents ever. Click to head back to the house...
Detail on the window. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Getting closer to the house, you'll see little details such as this that show pride of ownership. Scroll to see another...
Front door knob. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Original touches like this door knob are hard to come across when doing a restoration. To see that it's lasted this long - and is still in excellent shape - is a find. Click to go inside...
Entryway. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
There's so much to exclaim over in the entryway alone. The marquetry on the floor, coffered ceilings, and the wainscoting just for starters. It is a grand entryway in every sense. Scroll to keep exploring...
Formal dining room. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
The colors are more neutral and subdued in the formal dining area, setting the stage for a relaxed dinner. Notice the original window details on the right side. Click to see the living room...
Living room. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
This formal living room is set up just the way rooms in that decade would have been used: a couch for conversation, a bookshelf and curio cabinet, along with a chess board to challenge a friend to a match. There's not a flat screen to be seen. Scroll to view another, more casual sitting area...
Sitting area. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
This is the area set aside to sit and listen to someone playing the piano. But you'll probably get hungry after awhile, scroll to get to the kitchen...
Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
The kitchen is clearly outfitted with modern appliances and updated cabinets, but it's all kept within the look and feel of the 1910s and early 1920s. Click for another view...
Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
From this vantage point you can see the professional grade refrigerator. I wasn't going to mention the historical collection of busts all around the top of the kitchen because I can't say for sure if they're jars or purely decorative. Scroll for one more...
Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
With this view, you can see the large glass doors heading to the backyard, and the two 'decorative' windows above them to let additional light into the room. The wooden beams on the ceiling have been painted white, helping to increase the feeling of size in the room. Click to see another addition...
Wet Bar. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
This wet bar is a useful addition for entertaining, or for when you're cooking a big meal and need to sit down and wait for the oven to pre-heat. Scroll to see an architectural addition with beautiful millwork...
Stairs. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
These stairs are a stunning example of the craftsmanship of the early 1900s. From the detail on the banister posts to the curve on the upper landing. Click to see the upper floor...
Upstairs landing. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
When you reach the top, you can choose to head left to the library, or right to the master bedroom. Scroll to head to the right...
Master bedroom. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
The master bedroom is simply laid out, not bothering to have any modern upgrades the soe estates would go for (raised ceilings, expanded master closets). Click to see if the master bath is kept to its simplicity...
Master bathroom. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
The master bathroom has been updated with the gold fixtures and modern shower, but the historic feeling with the tile work and soaking tub is intact. Scroll to head to the library...
Library. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Forget the master bedroom. With the built in window seats and floor to ceiling books, this is the one roomI would claim as mine. But if a bed is needed, click to see the guest room...
Guest room. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
This guest room isn't as spacious as some of the other rooms in the house, but it's comfortable enough. Scroll to see the guest bathroom..
Guest bathroom. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
These custom sinks are my favorite part of this guest bathroom. Notice the carefully laid tile on the floor. Click to see the kid's room...
kids room. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
The wall of windows with custom plantation shutters keep this kids room a light-filled, comfortable place for kids. Scroll through to see one more guest room...
Guest room. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Here is the more sizable guest room, best suited for a long term visitor - or an older teenage or adult family member. The built-in desk is a useful addition for either schoolwork or to be used as clothing storage. Click to head to the den...
Den. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Once again with the wonderful 1910 details; I would wager that these stained glass windows have been carefully restored. These sliding doors allow whoever is working or holding a meeting can close them for privacy. Scroll to see another view of the den...
Den. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
This den is completely in keeping with the decade of the house - everything has been carefully chosen to create a balanced, cohesive whole. But enough of the business, let's see where you'd go after-hours. Click to find out...
Wine cellar. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Of course a wine cellar. We're in the heart of wine country, after all. Scroll through to see where you may want to go sit with your glass of cabernet...
Patio. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
Back outdoors. There's a deck overlooking the pool, where you can sit and enjoy a balmy summer afternoon. Maybe you don't want to go swimming, but click to see what you may want to do...
Spa. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
There's nothing wrong with a relaxing break in the custom spa. There's one more thing to see that sometimes gets overlooked. Scroll to see it..
Garage. (Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)
There is a carriage style two-car garage to keep your autos out of sight and out of the elements. In 1910, this would be where you'd keep a horse buggy, but fast forward to 2017 and it works just as well for a horseless carriage.
