Palo Alto: Romantic Spanish Charmer

I must’ve driven by this 1920’s Spanish Revival home a hundred times without a second glance. Little did I know that hidden behind its towering hedge was a treasure trove of Craftsman artifacts and a romantic story.

This house has the kind of architectural charm that could launch a thousand remodels: a beautiful craftsman tile fireplace, a fountain courtyard, built-in cabinets, and a maiden-head door knocker. It has finish details that one could hardly afford to replicate these days, such as coved ceilings and rich dark molding throughout.

The back part of the house needs major updating. The kitchen and bedrooms are small, but given that the lot is large, there’s plenty of room for expansion. As a bonus, there’s a rustic cottage in back where you could live during a remodel.

The long-time owner of this property, John Stillman Duryea, was a much-loved Roman Catholic priest who gave up his standing in the church to marry an artist. He drew national attention in 1976, when he announced to his congregation, “[I have] done the one thing the [Catholic Church] institution will not tolerate. I have fallen in love.” Both the plantings in the garden and his autobiography, “Alive into the Wilderness,” reflect his love of nature.

Located in the historic Professorville neighborhood, this property deserves an owner with an equally romantic love of Old California architecture and a pocketbook to support a historically sensitive renovation.

STATS
Price: $2,375,000
Location: 405 Lincoln Ave, Palo Alto
Sq. Ft.*: 1,800
Lot Size: 8,000+ Sq Ft to .25 Acre
MLS: #704915