Millionaires Row Part III: Houses and a Grove of Trees The stories of the houses and parcels on West Cliff Drive continue! Hearst Grove The block between Monterey and Santa Cruz Streets was purchased in 1891 by Phoebe Apperson Hearst, mother of the famous newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. She was a well-known patron of the arts, a founder of the Parent Teachers Association, and a benefactor of the University of California. The plan was to build a villa, but the only thing that ever came of it was the “Hearst Grove” of Monterey Pines. She died in 1919 and other plans to turn the property into a Spanish-Style luxury hotel never materialized. Epworth-by-the-Sea This mansion was built in 1887 by railroad executive C.C. Wheeler. A year later it was sold and bought as a vacation home by Mrs. Elizabeth Iliff Warren, who initially married a Colorado Cattle baron. After his death, she managed the inheritance so well that by the time she married Henry Warren (a Methodist bishop), she was one of the wealthiest women west of the Mississippi. The Warrens bought the property to be a summer home that could also host church conferences, retreats, and youth camps. They remodeled the original home in the style of Hotel Del Monte, and, like the Phelans, hired Rudolph Ulrich to design the landscaping. They named the estate after the birthplace of John Wesley, who founded the Methodist church and was born in Epworth, England. Apparently the family also came to call it The Breakers. The Darling House This concrete mission revival house was built in 1911 by Mrs. Warren’s stepson. It sits on a corner of the original Epworth-by-the-Sea estate. It was designed by William Henry Weeks, who designed many California homes and public buildings of the time. In 1984 it became a bed and breakfast inn and the name was changed from Rockcrest to the Darling House. For reservations call (831) 458-1958. Goodfellow House This period revival bungalow was built circa 1907 as a summer home for William S. Goodfellow, a successful attorney whose practice and main home were in Oakland. Mr. Goodfellow died in 1913. Sometimes incorrectly listed as 240 Gharkey Street, the correct address according to the assessors records is 240 West Cliff Drive. 135 Gharkey Street You have to walk inland a short block on Gharkey Street to see this house, built circa 1880. It may be the 1887 J. A. Mc Guire Victorian originally built at 560 West Cliff Drive (the site of the current Davis House). We know for sure this house was located on You have to walk inland a short block on Gharkey Street to see this house, built circa 1880. It may be the 1887 J. A. Mc Guire Victorian originally built at 560 West Cliff Drive (the site of the current Davis House). We know for sure this house was located on West Cliff Drive at some point — as the current owner has a picture showing it there. Unfortunately, the exact location cannot be determined from the photo. Additionally, newspapers stuffed in the walls for insulation are dated 1907, indicating the house may have been moved around that time — which fits with the Davis House being built in 1912. The house is in the Eastlake style, which was very common in the late 19th century. The historical placard says it was built for David Gharky. David Gharky built the Gharky Wharf at the foot of Main street in 1857. Recent work by Frank Perry and colleagues, going back to primary sources, has found that “Gharky” is the correct spelling. Apparently, at least six different spellings can be found; Gharky, Gharkey, Ghearkey, Ghirky, Gherky, or Yerkey. The definitive document seems to be his last will and testament, which he signed as “David Gharky” in 1863. Note that the street the house is on is spelled “Gharkey”. West Cliff Inn This large Italianate mansion was built in 1877 for Sedgewick Lynch, a well-to-do contractor. The architect was John Morrow. It is now a bed and breakfast. For reservations call (800) 979-0910. Like the Content? Please LIKE this Facebook page and check out our mobile AppTours about the Santa Cruz Coast -one of which is Free- at mobileranger.
Posted on: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 16:00:01 +0000