Updated Jan 2021
“A Spanish Type Home for Smith Reserve”
Oakland Tribune December 15, 1929.
“The Casa Maria Luisa,” the first of the “Daughter of Peralta” homes, will open an exhibition residence with imported furnishings in Smith Reserve (now the Piedmont Pines section of Montclair in Oakland) after January 1, 1930. It was fully decorated by the H.C. Capwell Company and sold by the Realty Syndicate.
Casa Maria Luisa, when completely furnished, represented an investment of $50,000.
“Master craftsmen have been employed in building and furnishing this usual home”
Oakland Tribune January 19, 1930
One of the noted Cathedral Artists stenciled the beams and ceilings, lighting fixtures from rare old-world patterns, and overhanging balconies with heavy doors reminiscent of early Spanish California. Oriental rugs of Spanish design are made to order. The house had numerous 1930s state-of-the-art features, including a Walker Electric Sink in the kitchen.
Casa Maria Luisa occupies three wooded lots with a panoramic view. They surrounded the home with rare shrubs, plants, and Monterey and Cypress Trees.
Casa Maria Luisa opened to rave reviews, claiming to be
“the most beautiful and popular home ever shown in Oakland.”
Forty-six thousand people toured Casa Masa Luisa through April 1930.
In 1931, the Oakland Tribune Yearbook named it one of the most beautiful homes of that year.
William and Cordelia Wanderforde purchased the home in about 1931.
In 1987, a couple bought the home from its original owner, Cordelia, who had lived there for some 50 years. They spent a lot of money repairing and updating the house.
- 6514 Ascott Drive
- Built 1929-30
- Smith Reserve (Piedmont Pines)
- Realty Syndicate
- Hamilton Murdock – Architect
- Opened in 1930 for a $18,500
- Last sold in 1997 for $698,000
More Info:
- Spanish Type Home to Open –Oakland Tribune January 12, 1930
- 46,000 See Display Home – SF Examiner April 5, 1930