Colonial Revival Style Mansion Built by the Milwain Brothers, architects for the Ghirardelli Family

Built for the Ghirardelli family in the early 1900's, this magnificent home boasts 7 bedrooms, five and one half baths, includes a private guest- house above the two-car garage. Impressive architectural details, elegant windows and attractive box beam ceilings appoint each room. Grand public rooms and the expansive gourmet kitchen with center-island make entertaining a delight. The entire home is surrounded by lovely, lush gardens and gorgeous rose bushes. Situated in central Piedmont and conveniently located to Piedmont's top-rated schools, K-12, the Piedmont Community Center, Piedmont Community Church, Mulberry’s Market, Piedmont City Hall, Piedmont Fire and Police Departments as well as public transportation; this home has it all -- convenience, elegance and history.

History

One of the most fascinating aspects in doing historical research is discovering something new about the past. Shortly after the Piedmont Historical Society published the first photo from its collection a second photo came to light. Both show two different renditions of the home at 636 Highland Avenue.

A recent trip to the Ghirardelli exhibit at the Museo Italo-Americo revealed some interesting details about Thomas Cushing and Ellen and Carmen Ghirardelli and may explain why they remodeled their home so soon after it was built.

Thomas Cushing was described as an heir from Santa Barbara. He and Ellen married in 1909 and Carmen had her debut in 1913.

The Mission Revival style of the earlier house was popular from about 1895 to 1915 and was just starting to go out of style in 1909 when the Cushing’s married. As heirs to the Ghirardelli chocolate company and Santa Barbara fortune, they were able to remodel the home to the newer Colonial Revival Style.

Ellen and Thomas had just married and Carmen was just about to have her debut; either of these events could have influenced the Cushing’s decisions to remodel. In 1911, Ellen Ghirardelli took out a building permit for the house. The new construction raised the assessed value from $4,000 to $6300. While construction was underway the family moved around the corner to 29 Sierra Avenue. They returned to their home in 1912.

Reprinted from the Piedmont Historical Society Collection – republished in the Piedmont Post February 1^st, 2000. Source: Gail Lombardi, Historian

Detailed Description of this Elegant and Historic Residence

Main Level

Impressive Formal Entry

Sparkling Hardwood Floors, Majestic Box Beam Ceilings and Gorgeous Wood Details Align the Walls and Grand Staircase

Resplendent Formal Living Room with Stately Fireplace

Majestic Dining Room with Built Ins

Handsome Library with Built In Book Shelves

Distinguished Den or Sunroom Looks Out to Gorgeous Gardens

Splendid and Updated Kitchen with Full Size Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer Plus Center Island

Pantry and Plenty of Storage with adjacent Wet Bar

Second Level - Sleeping Quarters

Three En Suite Bedrooms includes a Generous Master Suite with Updated Bath and Sunken Tub

Fourth Bedroom plus Center Home Office with Private Deck with Built in Desk and Closets - Possible 5th Bedroom

Upper Level, An Apartment Unto Its Own

Two Additional Cheerful Bedrooms

Bright Sitting Area or Family Room

Comfortable Office Alcove

Full Bath

Large Laundry Room

Ample Storage

Exterior

Charming Guest House Includes One Bedroom, Sitting Room, Kitchen and Bath

Two Car Garage

Expansive Basement

Gorgeous Gardens Surround this Sumptuous Residence