HomeMy WebLinkAboutSaratoga Los Gatos Road 20375HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #67)
IDENTIFICATION
1. Common name: None
2. Historic name: George A. Wood House, "Woodleigh"
3. Street or rural address: 20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara
4. Parcel number: 397 -22 -049
5. Present Owner: H. Allen et al Address: 20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road
City: Saratoga
Zip: 95070
Ownership is: Public: Private: X
6. Present Use: Residence Original Use: Residence
DESCRIPTION
7a. Architectural style: Greek Revival
7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or
structure and describe any major alterations from its original
condition:
This wooden, rectangular, symmetrical Greek Revival home is two - stories
and has a magnificent, round two -story portico as the central focal
point. Double sash windows are symmetrical about the portico. A hip
roof covers the entire structure with small dormers at the front and
sides. Ionic columns support a flat roof at the entry. A decorative
frieze, cornice and sidelights, and pediment at the front door help set
off this imposing structure. The grounds are well cared for, featuring
a lawn and oak trees.
8. Construction date:
Estimated:
Factual: 1911
9. Architect:
William Weeks
10. Builder: Unknown
11. Approx. prop. size
Frontage: 232'
Depth: 170'
approx. acreage:
12. Date(s) of enclosed
photograph(s): 1988
13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated:
No longer in existence:
14. Alterations:
15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary)
Open land: Scattered buildings: Densely built -up: X
Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: X Other:
16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Zoning:
Vandalism: Public Works project: Other:
17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown?
18. Related features:
SIGNIFICANCE
19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include
dates, events, and persons associated with the site).
One of Saratoga's most visible older homes, "Woodleigh" was built in 1911
and is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture. It was built by
W.H. Weeks for Mr. & Mrs. George A. Wood, formerly of Minnesota. Mr. Wood
was in the lumber business and he specified the fine materials and
craftsmanship. Except for the white oak and walnut floors on the first
floor, redwood was used throughout. Construction of the house followed the
1906 earthquake by five years; as protection against earthquake damage,
steel I -beams were used in the foundation. In 1911, the street railway
that ran past the site was being dismantled and it is upon these rails that
the 13" thick foundations were poured. Another distinction of the house
was the central vacuum cleaning system. Both Mr. & Mrs. Wood were very
active members of the community. Mrs. Wood and her neighbor Mrs. Bell
donated the land for the Foothill Club in 1915.
20. Main theme of the historic resource:
(If more than one is checked, number
in order of importance.)
Architecture: X Arts /Leisure:
Economic /Industrial:
Exploration /Settlement:
Government: Military:
Religion: Social /Ed.:
21. Sources (List books, documents,
surveys, personal interviews and
their dates).
Santa Clara County Heritage Resource
Inventory, 1975, 1979; San Jose Mercury,
4/25/84; F. Cunningham, Saratoga's First
Hundred Years, 1967; San Jose Symphony
Auxiliary Showcase Mansion pamphlet, 1985.
22. Date form prepared: 4/88
By (name): SHPC
Organization: City of Saratoga
Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070
Phone: 867 -3438
CITY O.F,SARATOGA: CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY
PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
-INVENTORY #
PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN-3131 I '(date)
IDENTIFICATIDN.
Street Address 39r7- OD-0,49.
Historic Name 6A, wood i�Qube
Present Owner AS rao\ex-
Address
CLCC.A�0\0t_ , 0
Present Use The 9olue. 0,nneA es+fck An-houg.50rigin.al Use, ?P<; 6e, v-\
Other :Pas=t Uses
r)r"c,rnVn,rT0h1
Briefly describe the present phys, , ical -appearance. of the site or -structure, and describe any major
alterations from its original condition:
r
Th he
Th
Approximate property size:
Lot size (in feet) Frontage
Depth
or approximate acreage
Condition (check one),:
{F, -gel Jent Go-od Fair
_eriorated No longer in existence.
Is the feature:,-
Altered,?,(. ) Unaltered?
Location sketch map (draw. and label site
and"su.rr.oun'din.g street.s, 'roads, and pro-
r
Threats to site:
None known ( ) Private Development ( )
Vandalism ( ) Other ( )
Primary exterior building material:
Zoning ( ) Public.Works Project ( )
Stone ( ) Brick ( ) Stucco ( ) Adobe ( ) Wood ( ) Other ( )
Is the structure:
On its original site? ( ) Moved? ( ) Unknown ( )
Year of initial construction ta tl This date is: Factual (X) Estimated ( )
Architect (if known)
Builder ( if known)
Related features:
Barn ( ) Carriage House ( ) Outhouse ( ) Shed(s) ( ) Formal garden(s) ( )
Watertower /Tankhouse ( ) Other ( )
SIGNIFICANCE
Windmill
(N one`;,
Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons
associated with the site when-known):
Source (books, documents, surveys, personal
interviews, and their dates):
��,��'C' 6'10"J� 6c'wl�j
11Aero�e+se
R r(_e_
� ,� eta Vq 5 ! q-7 9
Form prepared by: ,',IZ;(M.p i&1L"11n
J J
Date:
AX 4
67
A
July 13, 1988
QT O&M&
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
(408) 867 -3438
Mr. Howard Allen et al
20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Dear Mr. Allen:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Karen Anderson
Martha Clevenger
Joyce Hlava
David Moyles
Donald Peterson
The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission has recently
completed .a comprehensive Inventory of historic resources in our
community. We are pleased to notify you that your residence at
20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road meets. the criteria for being
included on this list.
The purpose of'the Heritage Resource Inventory is to establish a
list of documented historic properties in Saratoga. The Heritage
Preservation Commission was assigned the responsibility for
preparing the Inventory by the City Council in 1982. Each
property on the list has been identified as reflecting and being a
part of the unique history of Saratoga. The Inventory has been
prepared in accordance with guidelines established by the State
Office of Historic Preservation, with data gathered from a
variety of sources, including historic documents and books,
interviews with local citizens, and existing county and state
inventories that contain information on Saratoga properties.
Being listed on the Inventory does not carry any form of special
requirements or restrictiox►� affecting the use, improvement,
alteration or even the demolition of your property. As an
Inventory property, however, you will be able to make use of the
State Historic Building Code, an alternative set of building
regulations that are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation and
preservation of historic buildings. In addition, your property
may qualify for designation as a Saratoga Heritage Landmark, a
special category of outstanding and exemplary historic properties
that are identified in the community by a handsome bronze plaque.
We have enclosed the entire Inventory list and the individual
Inventory form for your property, which gives information about
the building, the property and its history. We would appreciate
your review of this form to let us know if there are any changes
or additions to the form you wish to include. We also anticipate
that there are additional historic resources in the community that
we may have overlooked or have not fully documented yet; if you
know of any that are not on the list, please let us know.
If you have any questions,
through Valerie Young, our
One of the Commissioners will
the Inventory and answer any
Sincerely,
please direct them to the Commission
staff person at City Hall (867- 3438).
be happy to meet with you to discuss
questions you may have.
Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
Elizabeth Ansnes
Roy Cameron
Norm Koepernik
Shar andsness
Barb Voesteif,
Warren Heid, Chairman
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #67)
IDENTIFICATION
1. Common name: None
2. Historic name: George A. Wood House, "Woodleigh"
3. Street or rural address: 20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara
4. Parcel number: 397 -22 -049
5. Present Owner: H. Allen et al Address: 20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070
Ownership is: Public: Private: X
6. Present Use: Residence Original Use:' Residence
DESCRIPTION
7a. Architectural style: Greek Revival
7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or
structure and describe any major alterations from its original
condition:
This wooden, rectangular, symmetrical Greek Revival home is two - stories
and has a magnificent, round two -story portico as the central focal
point. Double sash windows are symmetrical about the portico. A hip
roof covers the entire structure with small dormers at the front and
sides. Ionic columns support a flat roof at the entry. A decorative
frieze, cornice and sidelights, and pediment at the front door help set
off this imposing structure. The grounds are well cared for, featuring
a lawn and oak trees.
(photograph here)
8. Construction date:
Estimated:
Factual: 1911
9. Architect:
William Weeks
10. Builder: Unknown
11. Approx. prop. size
Frontage: 232'
Depth: 170'
approx. acreage:
12. Date(s) of enclosed
photograph(s): 1988
13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated:
No longer in existence:
14. Alterations:
15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary)
Open land: Scattered buildings: Densely built -up: X
Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: X Other:
16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Zoning:
Vandalism: Public Works project: Other:
17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown?
18. Related features:
SIGNIFICANCE
19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include
dates, events, and persons associated with the site).
One of Saratoga's most visible older homes, "Woocleigh" was built in 1911
and is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture. It was built by
W.H. Weeks for Mr. & Mrs. George A. Wood, formerly of Minnesota. Mr. Wood
was in the lumber business and he specified the fine materials and
craftsmanship. Except for the white oak and walnut floors on the first
floor, redwood was used throughout. Construction of the house followed the
1906 earthquake by five years; as protection against earthquake damage,
steel I -beams were used in the foundation. In 1911, the street railway
that ran past the site was being dismantled and it is upon these rails that
the 13" thick foundations were poured. Another distinction of the house
was the central vacuum cleaning system. Both Mr. & Mrs. Wood were very
active members of the community. Mrs. Wood and her neighbor Mrs. Bell
donated the land for the Foothill Club in 1915.
20. Main theme of the historic resource:
(If more than one is checked, number
in order of importance.)
Architecture: X Arts /Leisure:
Economic /Industrial:
Exploration /Settlement:
Government: Military:
Religion: Social /Ed.:
21. Sources (List books, documents,
surveys, personal interviews and
their dates).
Santa Clara County Heritage Resource
Inventory, 1975, 1979; San Jose Mercury,
4/25/84; F. Cunningham, Saratoga's First
Hundred Years, 1967; San Jose Symphony
Auxiliary Showcase Mansion pamphlet, 1985.
22. Date form prepared: 4/88
By (name): SHPC
Organization: City of Saratoga
Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070
Phone: 867 -3438
Early Saratoga revisited lo
Al and Bonnie Schrager outside their Saratoga mansion and art gallery
Georgian Douse
is restored
to 1913 grandeur
They had grand names. for grand
houses in the early years of the 20th
century: Villa Montalvo, Rancho Bella
Vista — and Woodleigh.
More recently known as the Geor-
gian House, Woodleigh was built in
1913 by Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Wood, who
came to Saratoga from Minnesota.
Both were active in community
affairs, and members of their family
lived in the house for 40 years.
It was built across a cut in the hill
from another large home, the T.S.
Montgomery residence, now Our Lady
of Fatima Villa. The cut was exca-
vated in 1903 for the San Jose -Los
Gatos (later Peninsular) Interurban
Railway, which ran until 1933.
Besides the Wood family, the house
has had only two other owners, Helen
Tom Van Dyke — Extra
Smith, who established the Blue' Can -
dlestick art and antique gallery before
Saratoga's incorporation in 1956, and
the A.J. Schragers, who also main-
tained an antique business.
The five - bedroom house has just"
been repainted and its classic Ionic
columns have been restored.
It is now up for sale.
111 LIN 161 111'l 1' 1111 a 1 W I I I I I Do 11 i1/ 1 �►1.
122-m16-1101-1 11''I iIC1 1 1111 111111 �9
This Georgian house was built in 1911 for Mrs. and Mrs. George A. Wood.
Formerly of Minnesota, Mr. Wood travelled to California many times. Upon his
retirement, he moved to Saratoga with his wife, the former Caroline Rollit, and
their eight children.
A very happy family life is recalled by Mrs. Margaret Wood Appelman, one of
the Wood children. As all the children had musical training, it was a household
of music and parties. The house was the site of Mrs. Appelman's Stanford
Sorority parties, and dances which were often attended by European nobility.
This magnificent two -story home is over 6,000 square feet of traditional style
and elegance. Mr. Wood, having been in the lumber business, specified fine
materials and craftmanship for his home. Except for the white oak and walnut
floors on the first floor, redwood was used throughout -- sills, studs, joists, lath,
sheathing and siding.
Architect W. H. Weeks was commissioned to design the house. Mr. Weeks was
already known for his work, and he continued his career with significant
architectural contributions thoughout the state: churches, schools, libraries
and homes. His list of accomplishments include the DeAnza and Vendome
Hotels in San Jose.
` '�iis page sponsored bt
3 Mr. & Mrs. Ivor J. �arnes, Jr.
SPECIAL THANKS
Extends Its Special Thanks
TO
These dealerships who have "GONE THE EXTRA MILE"
COUNTRYMAN
OLDSMOBILE- CADILLAC, INC.
SWANSON ■
THANK YOU!
4
NSMRRY OF THE HOUSE
Al
•
The construction of the house followed the 1906 earthquake by only five years.
As a protection against earthquake damage, steel I -beams were used in the
foundation. In 1911, the street railway that ran past the site was being
dismantled; and it is upon these rails that the 13" thick foundation walls were
poured. This house is said to be one of the earliest structures in the area
supported by steel beams. Another distinction for a house of this time was the
central vacuum cleaning system. The original mechanism still exists as a part
of the house.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood lived in the home until their deaths in the late 20's. They
were extremely active in the community where they were recognized for their
support and participation in numerous cultural and fund- raising efforts.
In its 70 -year history, the house known as The Schrager House has known
three owners. The Wood family kept the house until the early 50's when it was
sold to Helen Smith. (It wasn't until 1954 that the City of Saratoga was
incorporated.) Helen Smith occupied the home and conducted an art and
antique gallery on the first floor. In 1973, it was sold to the current owner, Mr.
Adolph Schrager, who occupied the home and continued to operate an
antique gallery.
e y
a i 3
The Center of SiliconValley
congratulates
6fn
u
�h� �
o3h &wCcse <` dnsian �S
Wolfe Rd. at Hwy 280, Cupertino M -F 10 -9, Sat.10 -6, Sun.12 -6
2
HISTORY OF THE HOUSE
HISTORY OF THE HOUSE
This Georgian house was built in 1911 for Mrs. and Mrs. George A. Wood.
Formerly of Minnesota, Mr. Wood travelled to Califomia many times. Upon his
retirement, he moved to Saratoga with his wife, the former Caroline Rollit, and
their eight children.
A very happy family life is recalled by Mrs. Margaret Wood Appelman, one of
the Wood children. As all the children had musical training, itwas a household
of music and parties. The house was the site of Mrs. Appelman's Stanford
Sorority parties, and dances which were often attended by European nobility.
This magnificent two -story home is over 6,000 square feet of traditional style
and elegance. Mr. Wood, having been in the lumber business, specified fine
materials and craftmanship for his home. Except for the white oak and walnut
floors on the first floor, redwood was used throughout -- sills, studs, joists, lath,
sheathing and siding.
Architect W. H. Weeks was commissioned to design the house. Mr. Weeks was
already known for his work, and he continued his career with significant
architectural contributions thoughout the state: churches, schools, libraries
and homes. His list of accomplishments include the DeAnza and Vendome
Hotels in San Jose.
nis jrrrryh srnsurcd hi
3 Mr. i Illrs. Irur /. 1rnnaS. /r.
HISTORY OF THE HOUSE
(continued)
The construction of the house followed the 1906 earthquake by only five years.
As a protection against earthquake damage, steel I -beams were used in the
foundation. In 1911, the street railway that ran past the site was being
dismantled; and it is upon these rails that the 13" thick foundation walls were
poured. This house is said to be one of the earliest structures in the area
supported by steel beams. Another distinction for a house of this time was the
central vacuum cleaning system. The original mechanism still exists as a part
of the house.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood lived in the home until their deaths in the late 20's. They
were extremely active in the community where they were recognized for their
support and participation in numerous cultural and fund - raising efforts.
In its 70 -year history, the house known as The Schrager House has known
three owners. The Wood family kept the house until the early 50's when it was
sold to Helen Smith. (It wasn't until 1954 that the City of Saratoga was
incorporated.) Helen Smith occupied the home and conducted an art and
antique gallery on the first floor. In 1973, it was sold to the current owner, Mr.
Adolph Schrager, who occupied the home and continued to operate an
antique gallery.
5
SZ-:GONO FLOOR PLAN
FIF,51 PLOOP, PLAN • •
iv-o . �� �t,e� �, her �ut,vine, P-leA w2 -u a) ,;b A44;� _
SaA �a, . �i11 e o.�`i l.Vb d ea t - ( v�d ��' �( -G�.e 4-&e4 �
/)/-N '//6- /Los CP�Vs
eu �5
11 Itla--ct (et�)H " ': I (-I-- A Waco I uj5e-
Keep Schrager
zoned residential
EDITOR:
I am writing in correction of the
article which appeared on the front
of the Saratoga News on July 17. It is
not true that Montalvo Center for the
Arts is backing Mrs. Edna Young in
her quest for full retail- commercial
zoning of the Schrager mansion. On
the contrary, on July 11 the Mon -
talvo board met and voted not to
become involved in the fight be-
tween Mrs. Young, the current
owner of the mansion, and the neigh-
borhood immediately adjacent to it.
As a neighbor, I would like to also
add that it is not true, as Mrs. Young
alleges, that over 25 years of use, the
neighbors have never complained
about its non - conforming use (the
mansion is now and always has been
zoned as residential property). Over
the years, neighbors have re-
peatedly complained about noisy
trash disposal, delivery trucks and
alley traffic. We believe that Mrs.
Young will greatly intensify the use
of the property with destruction of
current landscaping for parking,
statuary in the garden, and five
major openings a year.
All of us love the arts, and no
property's use for Showcase Man -
sion'85, though it meant lots of noise
and increased traffic for us.
However, on July 10 the Planning
? (q g5-
Commission turned down Mrs.
Young's application for retail
commercial zoning by a unanimous
7 -0 vote, and we sincerely hope that
the decision will be supported by the
council when the matter is appealed
on Aug. 7, for we do not wish to be-
come permanent patrons of the arts.
C. Holly Davies
President, Historic
Saratoga Neighborhood
Association
PUBLIC
1985 SAN JOSE SYMPHONY
AUXIL GARY DESIGNER
SHOWCASE HOME.
20375 Salratogs, CA. /Los Gatos Rd.
TUESDAY MAY 25, '9955, 2 PGA PRECISELY
Exhibition Mon. May 27 1955, 10am to 4Pm.
Historic "GEORGIAN HOUSE" 4330 sq. ft., 6 bdrm., 31/2 ba. 4
frplc's., hardwood & softwood floors, newly remod. kit., completely
redecorated, automatic sprinkler system. Approx. 3/4 acres, land-
scaped. Fruit trees & oak trees, 2 car attached garage, bsmt. & full
attic.
Minimum starting bid $500,000.
Owner /Auctioneer /Realtor will sell after receiving acceptable 2nd
bids. 10% deposit required upon fall of auctioneers hammer. All
prospective bidders to be pre- registered & must supply bank letter of
financial responsibility before 1lam Tues. May 28, 1985. Closing in 30
days or sooner.
Q.J. SCHRAGER
Licensed Auctioneer #AL59 & Realtor. In cooperation with Century 21 Lad Realty Inc.
Direct all inquiries to Larry Fordyce, Century 21 Lad Realty 3535 Pruneridge Ave, Santa
Clara, Ca. 95051
Local (408) 248 -7700 In California 800- 556 -2121 Out of state 800 - 538 -8190
Early Saratoga
revisited
WWI
s �_ ca, w ey .x, .,,, 2'_ •�}t4 {2 2
.y- Y, t
i
v r1
a,�`✓' jt x_14 �� � .Y— 3
w �
K�
l U
Tom Van Dyke — Extra
Al and Bonnie Schrager outside their Saratoga mansion and art gallery
They had grand names for grand lived in the house for 40 years. Smith, who established the Blue Can-
houses in the early years of the 20th . It was built across a cut in the hill dlestick art and antique gallery before
Georgian House century: Villa Montalvo, Rancho Bella from another large home, the T.S. Saratoga's incorporation in 1956, and
Vista — and Woodleigh. Montgomery residence, now Our Lady the A.J. Schragers, who also main -
is restored More recently known as the Geor- of Fatima Villa. The cut was exca- tained an antique business.
gian House, Woodleigh was built in vated in 1903 for the San Jose -Los The five - bedroom house has just
1913 by Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Wood who Gatos (later Peninsular) Interurban
to 1913 grandeur came to Saratoga from Minnesota. Railway, which ran until 1933. been repainted and its classic Ionic
Both were active in community Besides the Wood family, the house columns have been restored.
affairs, and members of their family has had only two other owners, Helen It is now up for sale.
A.
w
YEA :
+;F.
9
J
Tom Van Dyke — Extra
Al and Bonnie Schrager outside their Saratoga mansion and art gallery
They had grand names for grand lived in the house for 40 years. Smith, who established the Blue Can-
houses in the early years of the 20th . It was built across a cut in the hill dlestick art and antique gallery before
Georgian House century: Villa Montalvo, Rancho Bella from another large home, the T.S. Saratoga's incorporation in 1956, and
Vista — and Woodleigh. Montgomery residence, now Our Lady the A.J. Schragers, who also main -
is restored More recently known as the Geor- of Fatima Villa. The cut was exca- tained an antique business.
gian House, Woodleigh was built in vated in 1903 for the San Jose -Los The five - bedroom house has just
1913 by Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Wood who Gatos (later Peninsular) Interurban
to 1913 grandeur came to Saratoga from Minnesota. Railway, which ran until 1933. been repainted and its classic Ionic
Both were active in community Besides the Wood family, the house columns have been restored.
affairs, and members of their family has had only two other owners, Helen It is now up for sale.
HISTORY:
Designed by a Danish architect for Mr.
George Wood, a California lumber baron,
this truly unique estate was constructed
of the finest available redwood and crafted
by local artisans.
A prime example of old world craftsman-
ship and charm, this unprecedented resi-
dence will undoubtedly reign for yet
another 73 years.
A SARATOGA LANDMARK SINCE 1911
ELL- 21
LAD REALTY, INC.
Just reduced to $945,00011
Seller will help finance
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• Welcoming foyer accentuated with
beveled glass.
• Functional floorplan which lends itself
beautifully to entertaining.
• Formal dining room with built -in china
cabinets.
• Six bedrooms and three baths to ac-
commodate a large family or provide for
privacy.
• Four Early American heatilator fire-
places.
• Numerous windows to accentuate light,
airy rooms.
• Beautifully landscaped lot with mature
trees, private patio & rose garden.
• A true showplace!
Call for your private showing today.
12361 SARATOGA/SUNNWALE ROAD,
SARATOGA - (408) 252 -4370