Valley Homes
Elmwood Court
Real Estate Section, p1
Whimsical ‘Storybook’ residence mingles charm, sophistication
By Heidi Howell
Special to Valley Homes
Like
a living fairy tale, the “Disneyesque” home at 201 Elmwood Court in
Modesto captivates with old-world charm. Built in 1929, the
2,537-square-foot home was designed by world-renowned architect William
R. Yelland, master of Storybook Style.
Theatrical scale, swag
roofs and gently peaked gables often characterize Storybook homes.
Yelland blended rural French influences and exaggerated medieval
detailing to create quaint caricatures that defy tradition. Born in
1890, the California native was often involved in the construction of
his one-of-a-kind homes, which are known for superior craftsmanship.
His
enchanting Elmwood Court design reflects joyful spontaneity from the
moment you enter its arched front door. “It’s an amazing home,” says
owner Kirsten Seymour, who plans to relocate to another
Yelland-signature property in Berkeley.
The four-bedroom,
three-bath home, listed by Phil Schmidt, CRS, of PMZ Real Estate, is
offered at $749,000. With an ideal downtown location, the home features
a spacious design with multilevel coved ceilings, crown moldings,
hardwood floors and exquisite grounds.
“Houses like this are like a piece of art, they’re very unique,” Schmidt says.
The
French Normandy-themed house rests on a former orchard site facing an
unusually shaped street. Seymour says a gentleman who grew up in the
house explained that Elmwood Court was originally designed with curves
to slow the traffic down. “They wanted the cars to stop by and admire
the architecture,” she relates.
Just past the cozy entryway is
the large, open living room with satiny stucco walls, an angled
ceiling, sweeping arches and a handsome hearth and fireplace. Norwegian
antiques and a stunning view complete the look – a blend of European
styles. “It’s a great home for entertaining,” Seymour says.
Light-filled,
French sliding doors welcome guests to the adjacent dining room, which
overlooks the scenic back yard. “When you’re at the dining room table,
it’s as if you’re eating outside,” Seymour says. “There’s no need for
curtains because of the privacy of the back yard.”
Outside are a
brick patio and fireplace framed by meandering retaining walls. A
cast-iron arbor and fountain set the stage, while abundant trees,
twisted vines and vibrant flowers steal the show. “Something’s blooming
all the time,” Seymour says. “You’ll feel like you’re in a European
village.”
Another way to enter the back yard is through the
downstairs master suite. Its exterior brims with character, from its
upswept roofline and French doors to its shuttered windows. Inside is a
sitting room and a master bedroom with a sizeable walk-in closet.
Adjacent is a curvaceous master bath with double pedestal sinks,
beveled mirrors, built-in shelving and a large shower enclosure with a
curved glass door. Also of interest is the commode room with an
overhead chandelier.
In the wide, galley-style kitchen, buyers
will appreciate the clever mixture of modern amenities, such as a trash
compactor and smooth, marble countertops, along with vintage touches.
Next to the kitchen is a sun-splashed, second dining room or breakfast
nook ready for casual or formal meals.
From the living room, a
winding staircase leads to a small landing or “drama area” where the
owner says her children performed with songs and puppet shows in years
past. Hand-painted murals create a playful effect.
Upstairs is
a second, larger master suite where light spills in through plentiful,
iron-paned windows. A marble counter and floor grace the attached
master bathroom, with its tiny windows and double-wide shower.
The
third bathroom is dressed up in striking black and cream tile with
black accents and a checkerboard floor. Redone in recent years, the
room draws on styling and tile taken straight from the 1920s.
Bedroom
number three offers a large closet and windows showcasing the peaceful
back yard. An arch and semi-private entrance lead to bedroom number
four, with its built-in hutch and sunny, sweeping outdoor scenery. “It
has a great view of the beautiful front yards on Elmwood Court,”
Seymour says. “Some yards blend into the next.”
In keeping
with the Storybook theme, many neighbors have painted their homes such
colors as pink, blue or yellow, she notes. “When my kids were little,
they described the home across the street as Rapunzel’s house with the
turret, and my next door neighbor’s house as Mary, Mary, Quite
Contrary’s. Our house was called the Three Little Pigs’ and the home on
our other side was one of the Seven Dwarfs’ houses.”
Seymour
calls the neighborhood “a real gem” and describes the neighbors as
“wonderful.” “If you were to knock on any neighbors’ door, they would
say they love living on Elmwood Court.”
The home offers easy
freeway access. Shopping, restaurants and schools are also close by.
“It’s centrally located near the Gallo Center for the Arts, the State
Theatre and Concerts in the Park,” Seymour says.
“The
architect took no shortcuts anywhere with this house,” she says. “From
every angle, it’s equally as beautiful from the front or back yard. You
really feel like you’re living somewhere special.”
To tour the
home, telephone Phil Schmidt at (209) 602-7445, or contact his
daughter, Jill Schmidt Parks, Realtor, at (209) 613-2944 or Jody
Schmidt, Realtor, (209) 543-2221. View additional photos at
www.schmidt.pmz.com. For more information about Storybook Style homes,
visit www.storybookers.com.
© HHWS for The Modesto Bee
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