History and Beauty Combine for a Wonderful Event: Peninsula Volunteers Unveils its 2013 Decorator Show House

A historic home in Woodside, a small Northern California town in San Mateo County, is the site of the 2013 Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House, which is now open through May 24.

The 2013 Decorator Show House features classic Monterey Colonial architecture.
The 2013 Decorator Show House features classic Monterey Colonial architecture.

With classic Monterey Colonial architecture, the home features elements from both Spanish Colonial and New England Colonial styles. Homes in the classic California Monterey style – including the Show House – are typically two stories, with a second story balcony with wood or wrought iron balustrades, a low-pitched tiled or shingled gable roof and exterior walls of contrasting materials such as wood, stucco and brick. This type of architecture is traced to an 1837 Monterey, Calif., home built by Thomas Larkin, America’s first and only consul to California.

Originally built in 1938, the Show House is located on property that was once part of a Spanish land grant given to Simon Mezes by the widow of Luis Arguello, an early California governor. W. R. Voorhies was the original architect, and Carter Warr updated the home 20 years ago.

Spanning 11,000 square feet, this beautiful building is situated on 21 acres, surrounded by gardens, stables and majestic views of the countryside. A selection of 20 rooms is styled and decorated by premier Bay Area design firms, among them Warren Sheets Design, Inc.

We have transformed the living room and our designs pay homage to some of the world’s most creative artistic forces. With this in mind, the space has become veritable museum of fine art and artifacts. A select highlight is the room’s focal point: “Trousdale,” a bronze cocktail table fabricated by Paul Ferrante.

Our space is a tribute to some of the world’s most creative artistic forces. Over the mantel is “Three Ladies,” an unknown artist’s interpretation of a piece by Fernand Leger.
Our space is a tribute to some of the world’s most creative artistic forces. Over the mantel is “Three Ladies,” an unknown artist’s interpretation of a piece by Fernand Leger.

Additional fine touches include “Three Ladies,” an unknown artist’s oil on canvas interpretation of a piece by Fernand Leger; an abstract artwork by Linn Thygeson; a satin block L’architect writing desk from Baker Knapp and Tubbs created by French artist Andre Arbus; and a Chantilly white linen drapery fabric from Manuel Canovas. Tying together the past with the present, this room combines elements of classic and contemporary design, mixing energetic hues of orchid pink and peacock blue with classic metallic gold and silver leaf accents.

We are proud to be part of a group of more than 15 noted designers, as well as artists, master gardeners and garden designers, working magic on this beautiful, landmark estate.

While this home showcases the work of many Bay Area top talents and offers a glimpse of California’s colorful architectural history, its most important role is the financial support it will generate for Peninsula Volunteers, which has developed programs, properties and services to support seniors for 65 years. Proceeds will fund the organization’s four major senior programs: Meals on Wheels, Little House Activity Center, Rosener House Adult Day Services and its low income Partridge-Kennedy and Crane Place apartments.

The fireplace stone surround in our living room space is fabricated with Da Vinci Marble.
The fireplace stone surround in our living room space is fabricated with Da Vinci Marble.

For tickets and information, visit www.penvol.org or call (650) 381-9933. Please let me know if you attend and what you think.