The house has 3 fireplaces and originally had 2 wood stoves. One stove was in the kitchen and one in a room directly above the kitchen. They used the same chimney. The stoves have been gone since the 1950's. Also, the fireplaces are no longer used since an earthquake in the 1950's.
Most of the hard Mahogany lumber used for paneling throughout the house was shipped around the horn before the Panama Canal was built.
HISTORY
The Faulkner house was built in 1894. The architects were H. Anlauf and F.P. Ward. The stone mason was George Nowak. Mr. Faulkner and Mr. Anlauf were the head builders.
The exterior is a typical Queen Anne architecture. You can see the finialed point tower, pressed tin siding, fish scale shingles, embellishments, plaster decorative motifs in gables, cozy balconies, wood detailing, lathed doweling, corner moldings, as well as sweeping front porch with open-work railings.
Four levels in the house contain a full basement, main floor, second floor and full attic. There were 7 bedrooms and 2 baths. These bathrooms were built before most homes even had indoor plumbing. Mr. Faulkner had great forethought in that he had the house wired before electricity and gas utilities were available. Thus he was ready when utilities arrived.
In 1879 George W. and Roda S. Faulkner purchased 150 acres in the Santa Clara Valley for $40 an acre. The 150 acres was divided among their three children about 1910, and descendants of the family continued to live on all three portions of the original ranch. The present Faulkner Farm that contains the house and the large barn built in 1886 is located on 27-acres and was purchased by the University of California in 1997.
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FRONT ENTRY
Welcome to the Faulkner Family Home. This beautiful home is a true example of Queen Anne Victorian Architecture. As you approach the beautiful double front doors your eyes are quickly attracted to the intricate copper-set glass panes and transom. It is said that there are over 500 pieces of glass. Immediately upon entering the foyer you will notice the detailed parquet wood design on the floor. This is compiled of 12 different woods in an optical illusion motif. The design was created by George Faulkner who was a wood craftsman and Herman Anlauf. The walls in this large room are covered with lincrusta. This is a method of decoration in place of wallpaper. The process is no longer used but was very popular in Victorian homes. There are also several plaster relief designs of a girl on the walls. A beautiful reed organ sat against the wall and heavy drapes hung at the hallway entrance. These could be drawn closed to help keep the heat in the back of the house. Three other important features need to be mentioned. Note the medallion around the ceiling light fixture. You will see very detailed musical instruments. The beautiful Birch wood staircase is the prominent feature. And finally, look high above and enjoy the etched glass window depicting an elk. This is said to have been G.W. Faulkner's favorite of all the windows.
FRONT PARLOR
The Front Parlor was the most formal room of the house. Although the organ was in the foyer, there was a player piano in this room. The room has been painted and the existing wallpaper is not the original but was replaced with Victorian vintage design. Mr. Faulkner was most fond of natural woods, so there are many types throughout the house. The wood in this room is teak. The bay windows offer the base for the 3-story corner tower. Each year a Victorian Christmas Tree was placed in this bay. The light fixture in this room is of the era and the ceiling medallion is beautifully carved.
Originally these medallions were painted colors but have since been painted over. One of the main features of this home is that it had wall to wall carpet. This was a sign of a very prestigious home and was seldom found in those days.
LIVING ROOM
The back parlor, or the room between the living room and the dinning room was more of a sitting room. This room shows the detailed wainscots in lincrusta. The alcove is topped by a curved plaster arch ending in casts of a fair maiden. The wood in this room is Honduras Mahogany and is also used in the built-in roll-top desk and the 9 foot mantel and hearth. The mantel features a beveled mirror and glazed tiles. The corners of the ceiling are covered and the light medallion resembles a cameo broach. Note the matching corners at each door and window. The lincrusta used in the room is designed to look like tooled leather. The upper windows in the alcove and above the door are flash glass designs.
DINING ROOM
The dining room was used often by the family. The built in cabinets have glass fronts. There originally was a food pass-through area next to the cabinets, however it has been sealed. However, not the pass through cabinet for dishes. Also featured in this room are the stained glass designs above the three windows. The lincrusta in this room resembles tooled copper. The painted ceiling border is of oak leaves and acorns. The corner designs are of lima beans, oranges and a horn of plenty. The light fixture has been replaced but is of authentic design that used both gas and electricity. When electricity was new it was not always reliable.
MASTER BEDROOM
This room shows a wonderful specialty wood called Curly Redwood. This beautiful pattern of wood is caused by the sawing and milling of the wood. Mr. Faulkner loved natural woods and each of the main floor rooms are finished in a particular type of wood. The doors, windows and trim are all
matched. This was a lovely room for the master bedroom. You will note the beautiful fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a private outside entry. The hardwood border on the floor is alternating cherry and tiger stripe oak. Note in the hall outside of this room is an intercom system. This was loved by the children. There is a bell and speaking tube in the hall and in each of the bedrooms upstairs.
KITCHEN
This is the hub of the home. Note a very large kitchen with a large pantry. This room has been remodeled. The original cabinet designs were duplicated to the last detail including the brass hinges. There was a dumb waiter that originally was in the pantry. This has been sealed. It was originally used to bring the firewood up from the basement. It was large enough that the grandchildren loved to ride in it when grandma wasn't around. Also note the cooling closet. This is a built-in cabinet that was vented to the basement. It allowed cool air to come up from the basement to keep eggs and butter cool. Also off the kitchen is the laundry room. The original laundry tubs are still in place however cupboards have been added. There is a laundry chute in the closet.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Each light fixture has a ceiling medallion of cast plaster in a variety of shapes and designs. These were originally painted with colors. The purpose was to protect the ceiling from soot and dust from the gas lighting.
Ceilings of the main downstairs rooms were also stenciled and painted with geometric and floral designs. Most of these were lost by painting over them in the 20's and 30's.
The plinth design at the top corner of every window and door in each room are matching throughout the room. Each room has a different and distinct design.
Click here for a photo-tour of the first floor!