The 1926 Redwood Grove Estate by Hearst Castle Architect Julia Morgan Lists for $5M
A piece of Northern California’s Arts and Crafts history is up for sale near the town of Benbow, about 200 miles north of San Francisco. Redwood Grove Estate was designed by architect Julia Morgan, who is also known for creating the opulent Hearst Castle for publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Morgan—the first woman to graduate from the École des Beaux-Arts and the first female architect licensed in California—led a prolific career spanning hundreds of notable public and private structures.
The 1926 Redwood Grove Estate by architect Julia Morgan is sited on two-and-a-half acres in California’s Humboldt County. Morgan received many accolades, and she was posthumously awarded a Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architect in 2014—making her the first woman to receive the institute’s highest honor.
The Tudor-style residence features a central living room, complete with original old-growth redwood trusses and a ten-foot-tall window at one end.
Completed in 1926, the home was originally commissioned by San Francisco Hotel heiress Margaret Stewart. The current owners purchased the property in 2000 and spent over three years restoring original details while modernizing some living areas. Spanning over 5,000 square feet, the residence features three expansive bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, as well as a sunny family room and a 1,500-bottle wine cellar.
The interior features carved panel doors and handcrafted rosette details along the trusses. Throughout its history, the property has reportedly hosted visiting dignitaries, movie stars, politicians, and members of William Randolph Hearst’s family.
A look at the restored fireplace hearth and bench. The property’s current owners restored the home by working with skilled local artisans to repurpose original fabrics and hardware, which were found unused in the basement.
In addition to the main house, the property also comes with two detached structures: a 2,000-square-foot guesthouse and a one-bedroom apartment over the garage. Outside, the 2.58-acre lot borders a river and offers several wooded areas, as well as a vegetable garden and orchard.
The home is currently listed for $5,000,000, and it comes with all of the furnishings. The asking price takes into account both residential and commercial opportunities, as the home occasionally hosts public tours and is licensed for up to 50 events per year. Keep scrolling to see more.
Other recent renovations included the addition of a modern kitchen.
A sunlit family room is located at one corner of the home.
Upstairs, the large principal suite features a Gothic-style central window and a separate sitting area. Rosette details continue along the painted rafters.
The home’s three bathrooms were also modernized during recent renovations.
Leaded glass windows and stone walls can be found throughout the home.
All of the home’s furnishing are included in the asking price.
Outside, a large patio surrounds the main structure. Steps lead down to a grassy lawn.
A small pond occupies another corner of the property. The detached guesthouse sits just behind the main structure.
A view from the patio of the detached guesthouse.
The 2,000-square-foot guesthouse offers two additional bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as its own kitchen. Many of the rooms open directly to the patio and lawn.
An arbor and gate connects two sections of the property.
The site features many old-growth trees, and stone pathways connect the main residence to the riverfront, a vegetable garden, and an orchard.
The southern side of the property borders the Eel River’s south fork.
The Redwood Grove Estate, located at 255 Benbow Dam Road in Garberville, California, is currently listed for $5,000,000 by Michael Fanelli and Bob Pennypacker of Healdsburg Sotheby’s International Realty.
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