Viewing the restored Cheney Cottage

Photo: Daniella Thompson, 2013

The Cheney Cottage was one of two houses built by the “American Turgenev” and located at 2241 and 2243 College Avenue, on land that was eventually swallowed by the U.C. campus. The cottage was built in 1902 by contractor Carl Ericsson and used as rental property. The design appears to have been inspired by Maybeck’s Boke House on Panoramic Way.

In 2009, the university offered the two houses for sale. The older house, a Victorian, received no offers and was demolished. The cottage was sold, and after a long saga involving a move to an interim location, was brought to 62nd Street, where it was lovingly restored.

See a few photos of the restored cottage here.

Victorian Society in America reception & summer schools

BAHA members and followers are cordially invited to attend a reception sponsored by the Victorian Society in America on Friday, 8 February 2013, 5 pm to 8 pm. The reception will be held in Ian and Maggie Berke’s historic home at 2824 Clay Street, San Francisco.

The evening will include:

• A chance to see Ian’s collection of Herter Brothers furniture and other collections.
• Presentations that highlight sites featured in the Victorian Society Summer Schools.
• Information on admission and scholarships to the Summer Schools program.

Graduate students, curators, architects, interior designers, preservationists, and others interested in the arts and architecture spanning the colonial period through the mid-20th century would greatly benefit from the summer school experience.

The Summer School programs include lecture, bus and walking tours of historic sites in Newport, RI or London and surrounding towns. They provide an opportunity to learn about historic trends in architecture and interior design, tour homes seldom shown, enjoy the company of like-minded students from graduate level to older adults whose interests range from curatorial work to Historic Preservation. The courses also help establish networks in the field.

If you are interested in attending the reception, RSVP to Ian by e-mail or call (415) 921-7300 to reserve your place.