To truly understand a community, it's important to learn about its history. Our Historic Home & Building Tours provide insight into how the community has evolved over time. Explore the architectural gems and landmarks that contribute to the area's character and charm.
Welcome to the historic home tour of Petaluma, California! Known for its well-preserved historic downtown and Victorian-era architecture, Petaluma offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Let's explore 10 notable homes and learn about their significance and interesting historical facts:
- Housed in the former Carnegie Library, built in 1904.
- The building is a beautiful example of Classical Revival architecture and now serves as a museum, preserving the town's history.
- Constructed in 1868 for Carson McNear, a local banker and businessman.
- The house is a splendid Italianate-style mansion, featuring ornate details and elegant proportions.
- Built in 1913 as a dairy processing plant.
- The creamery played a crucial role in Petaluma's dairy industry and is now a popular destination, housing shops and eateries.
- Constructed in 1877 for William Brown, a prominent local citizen.
- This Queen Anne-style home showcases intricate detailing, including a wraparound porch and decorative spindlework.
- Built in 1871 as a cultural and entertainment center.
- The opera house hosted a variety of performances and events and still stands as an iconic landmark in downtown Petaluma.
- Constructed in 1908 as a department store.
- This commercial building exhibits a blend of Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts architectural styles.
- Built in 1861 for Dr. Stephen L. Humphrey, a prominent local physician.
- The house is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture and features a distinct two-story portico.
- Housed in the historic Sonoma County National Bank building, built in 1926.
- The seed bank is a unique retail space offering a wide variety of heirloom seeds and gardening supplies.
- Constructed in 1880 for Albert Putzker, a local businessman.
- The house showcases a blend of Italianate and Victorian architectural styles and boasts a distinctive tower.
- Built in 1891 as a warehouse for the Steamer Gold Coin Brewery.
- The building is a well-preserved example of late 19th-century industrial architecture and currently houses offices and shops.
These remarkable homes and landmarks in Petaluma exemplify the town's rich architectural heritage and reflect the history and development of the community. Enjoy your historic home tour and discover the unique charm of Petaluma!
Welcome to the historic home tour of Santa Rosa's McDonald neighborhood! This charming neighborhood is known for its rich history and beautiful homes. Our tour includes the following homes:
- Built in 1905 for Kanaye Nagasawa, a renowned Japanese winemaker and diplomat.
- The house is a prime example of the Queen Anne architectural style and features intricate woodwork and stained glass windows.
- Constructed in 1877 for Mark L. McDonald, a prominent lumber baron.
- The mansion is a stunning Victorian-era home and is one of Santa Rosa's most iconic landmarks.
- It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
- Built in 1884 as a residence for Kanaye Nagasawa.
- Nagasawa was a pioneer of the California wine industry and an advocate for Japanese immigrants' rights.
- Established in 1884 by Luther Burbank, a renowned horticulturist and botanist.
- The gardens served as Burbank's experimental laboratory, where he developed numerous plant varieties.
- Features a cluster of beautiful Craftsman-style homes built between 1910 and 1922.
- The district is named after Louis Julliard, a prominent local winemaker and philanthropist.
- Built in 1874 for John Paxton, a prominent attorney and civic leader.
- The house showcases Italianate architecture with its characteristic tall windows and decorative brackets.
- Constructed in 1900 for J. W. Lea, a local entrepreneur.
- This Colonial Revival-style home boasts a grand two-story portico and elegant interior details.
- Built in 1885 for Thomas Pierson, a wealthy businessman.
- The house is a stunning example of the Italianate architectural style and features ornate ironwork and intricate wood detailing.
- Constructed in 1902 for Otto Hahman, a successful local businessman.
- This Queen Anne-style home exhibits a picturesque design with its wraparound porch and turret.
- Built in 1877 for William and Annie Blaney, early settlers of Santa Rosa.
- The house showcases Victorian Gothic architecture and is known for its distinctive steep gables and pointed-arch windows.
These homes and landmarks in Santa Rosa's McDonald neighborhood provide a glimpse into the city's rich history, architectural diversity, and the influential figures who played a significant role in shaping the community. Enjoy your historic home tour!
Welcome to the historic home tour of Healdsburg, California! Known for its charming downtown and picturesque surroundings, Healdsburg is home to several notable historic residences. Let's explore 10 distinguished homes and learn about their significance and intriguing historical facts:
- Constructed in 1869 for Christopher J. Smith, a prominent local businessman.
- The house is a stunning example of Italianate architecture and features ornate details such as bracketed eaves and tall windows.
- Built in 1881 for George Wilson, a successful merchant.
- This Victorian-era home exhibits a blend of Italianate and Eastlake architectural styles.
- Constructed in 1913 with funds provided by the Carnegie Foundation.
- The library is a beautiful example of Classical Revival architecture and served as the town's public library until 1978.
- Built in 1920 as a branch of the Bank of Italy (now Bank of America).
- The building showcases Beaux-Arts architectural elements and served as the town's main bank for many years.
- Constructed in 1858 for Dr. Nathan Whitchurch, a local physician.
- This Greek Revival-style home is one of the oldest residences in Healdsburg and stands as a testament to the town's early settlement.
- Built in 1881 for Albert Hembree, a prominent local landowner.
- The house features a unique blend of Gothic Revival and Italianate architectural styles.
- Constructed in 1895 by local stonemasons, the Fossati brothers.
- The building served as a general store and later housed the Fossati Hotel, contributing to Healdsburg's early commercial development.
- Built in 1849 and known as Healdsburg's oldest building.
- This adobe structure is a reminder of the town's early Mexican and Californian heritage.
- Constructed in 1881 for John Paxton, a prominent businessman.
- The house is a magnificent Victorian mansion and currently operates as a luxury inn and restaurant.
- Built in 1860 for Willard Belding, a pioneer settler and hotelier.
- This Greek Revival-style home served as a hotel for many years and is now a private residence.
These remarkable homes and landmarks in Healdsburg showcase the town's rich history, architectural diversity, and the individuals who contributed to its development. Enjoy your historic home tour and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Healdsburg!
Welcome to the historic tour of San Rafael, California! As the oldest city in Marin County, San Rafael is steeped in history and features several noteworthy homes and landmarks. Let's explore 10 notable sites and learn about their significance and intriguing historical facts:
- Housed in a Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1888 for Captain Robert Dollar.
- The mansion now serves as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and community events.
- Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1962.
- The civic center is an architectural masterpiece and houses various government offices.
- Constructed in 1888 for James Boyd, a prominent local businessman.
- This Victorian-era home showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Italianate and Eastlake.
- Built in 1955 as a shopping center, reflecting mid-century modern design.
- The plaza retains its original architectural character and continues to serve as a commercial hub.
- Founded in 1890 as a convent for the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.
- The campus features several historic buildings, including Meadowlands Hall and Angelico Hall.
- Built in 1885 for William Falk, a successful rancher and banker.
- The house exhibits a combination of Victorian and Italianate architectural styles and is now a private residence.
- Constructed in 1920 as a vaudeville theater.
- The theater has undergone various transformations over the years and is currently a movie theater.
- Built in 1888 as the entrance gatehouse to the Boyd Estate.
- The gatehouse showcases architectural details such as decorative shingles and a unique turret.
- Preserves the historic Chinese fishing village established in the 1880s.
- Visitors can explore the village's remnants, including historic buildings and fishing equipment.
- Housed in the Marin County Civic Center, the museum showcases exhibits on the region's history.
- It offers insights into the development of San Rafael and Marin County.
These notable homes and landmarks in San Rafael offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural heritage. Enjoy your historic tour and discover the unique charm of San Rafael!