The property is being renovated by a family from Los Altos who intend to use it for weekend getaways. The building overlooks downtown Capitola and Monterey Bay from the bluff known as Depot Hill. The existing house, a Victorian built in the 1890’s has been a local landmark but was in need of rehabilitation owing to a major fire.
The house features large living spaces, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus the option of adding a loft in the attic. The house’s exterior, though depleted in its present appearance, is still close to its original form.
The house is part of the Depot Hill Historic District. The house’s exterior has already undergone extensive changes in accordance with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Historic Renovation, a set of Federal guidelines that govern work on historic properties.
Beausoleil Architects commenced the design project with a careful documentation of the existing construction. The architect workd closely with the local planning department to assess the owner’s plans for a new deck, rehabilitation of the windows and restoration of the original front steps.
The owner of the property located old photos of the house with the help of the Capitola Historical Museum, including a photograph showing the local children sitting on the front steps, circa 1925. The proposed changes were considered appropriate and minor and the project passed the review process.
The original kitchen features a design that is typical of the Victorian times. It is cut off from the living spaces and arranged with a maximum of doors and a minimum of counter space. Beausoleil suggested a more informal, free flowing space as the owners required an informal set up of the kitchen.
To achieve this, the wall between the kitchen and dining room, including a large non-functioning chimney was removed. The un-reinforced chimney of the kitchen also represented a seismic hazard that was eliminated. Beausoleil’s design also moved one of the doors into a bedroom to free up one wall for a large bank of storage cabinets.
A larger bathroom with a stacking laundry has been created in the rear extension of the house that included a bedroom and bathroom. The new design created extra usable space by eliminating a rear stair and hallway.
The interior design is now being worked out by the owner and Anne Munemitsu Interior Design. The owner plans to retain the basic Victorian detailing while updating the finishes and colors. The kitchen and baths will get all new fixtures and finishes. The underlying structure and systems will also be updated. The crawlspace is being ‘voluntarily’ upgraded for seismic strength, and a new central forced air heating system and new wiring is being installed.
The rehabilitation is expected to be completed in a few months.
