Somewhere in the next year to 19 months, some lucky family will be privileged to celebrate the centennial of Overdene, the stately Craftsman home at 191 Buena Vista in Newcastle — situated at the peak of Wilson Heights.
The new owners will also likely be hosting Christmas parties in this elegant two-story, 5,000-square-foot home, commissioned by original owner, J.W. Wilson, and designed in 1910 by renowned San Francisco architect Albert Farr, who earlier built author Jack London’s Wolf House in Sonoma.
Wilson, the largest fruit processor and distributor on the West Coast prior to the advent of refrigeration technology, initiated the seasonal parties to celebrate mass with carols sung around a huge Christmas tree at the foot of the rich Douglas fir stairway in the entry foyer.
Current owners, attorney Linnea Johnson and archeologist-cum-artist husband Nick Del Cioppo, along with daughter Bianca, have carried forward the tradition for 15 years since buying and restoring much of Overdene’s character and original charm.
The chandelier in the living room is original as are many other light fixtures throughout the home. Tulip-shaped wall sconces light the hallways and five bedrooms upstairs, and spread a soft, suffused radiance to an early morning or a sinking sun in late afternoon.
More than a hundred windows have views of the valley below — Overdene translates to “overlooking the valley.”
There are delights a plenty for visitors. An electric call box in the kitchen summons the maid to the upstairs bedroom indicated on the box; a pie safe in the pantry cools just-baked treats and keeps fruits and vegetables fresh; “secret stairs” connect the kitchen to the upstairs, and delights every child under 10; the hallway dumbwaiter is still functional and both the living room and dining room have long window seats for the rainy-day reader, or for marveling at the view.
Downstairs, from the elongated dining room thru the entryway is an inviting living room anchored on both ends by fireplaces faced with imported English tile with golden oak flooring beaming up at you with the pride of surviving a century of wear, with no evidence of its age.
Ten-foot ceilings with hand-crafted mouldings loom above while ornate wainscot walls stand by.
A few years ago, Hollywood came calling with an interest in Overdene for a Kurt Russell movie. Linnea and Nick thought about the offer, but decided to opt out, fearful of how their home would be returned to them as they were in the midst of planning Bianca’s quinceañera, to be held at their home.
Whether it’s hosting a Christmas party or just welcoming guests for an afternoon tea, Overdene is a living piece of history with stories to tell and views to see.
Talking Houses runs occasionally in Gold Country Homes. Jerry Sellers is a Realtor with HomeTown Realtors in Auburn, he can be reached at (916) 871-8801, or e-mail him at
seejerry@seehometown.com.
