I Love Tea Cups

I Love Tea Cups

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Harris-Lass House Part I

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this last weekend was my husband's 50th high school class reunion.  We were married one month after he graduated from high school in Santa Clara, California.  On Sunday the reunion committee held a Bar-Be-Que at the Harris-Lass Historic Museum.  As everyone knows the town of Santa Clara is in the heart of Silicon Valley.  It was such a joy to step back in time and visit the last farm site in the city of Santa Clara.


The house is named for the two families who owned and lived on the property for 125 years.  The museum consists of the house, a classic California barn, summer kitchen, tank house and landscaped gardens.


The house was built in 1865 in the Italianate style-balanced and symmetrical.  In the 1890's it was extensively enlarged and remodeled, changing the symmetry of the original design.  It is fully furnished, most of the furniture and contents having belonged to the Lass family



The City of Santa Clara bought the property in 1987 and after extensive restoration, it opened to the public in 1991.  Although owned by the City, the site is operated by the Historic Preservation Society of Santa Clara, a non-profit public benefit corporation, and staffed entirely by volunteers.


The Tank House was moved from another location and is now the gift shop for the museum.













Farm Equipment is displayed in the front of the house and gardens with roses, perennials and trees create a beautifully landscaped property.


The property  also has a beautiful setting for weddings.    

I had such a great time photographing all the beautiful buildings and gardens.

Tomorrow I will continue with Part II of the Harris-Lass House

I am joining Faded Charm for White Wednesday

I am joining A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday


Please link back to the wonderful blogs for more beautiful outdoors and white inspiration.

Thank you for visiting and please leave a comment and become a follower.
xoxo
Betty  



11 comments:

  1. Beautiful shots! My husband and I just went to his 42nd reunion.It is fun to step back in time and see old sights and old friends.

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  2. These are beautiful photos. I'm interested in old homes and this is the first time i have heard of a tank house. If anyone would like to let me know I'd listen. The gardens are especially nice and I love the idea of placing the farm equipment in the yard.

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  3. I loved the historical tour-my very most favorite thing to see-thanks!

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  4. Gorgeous building, gorgeous architecture... LOVELY!

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  5. Thank you for your comment on my blog. Your pictures here are beautiful. I love old houses :) ~Alana~

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  6. Thank you so much for taking me on your tour. I would never get there otherwise. Have a great day.

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  7. Love the Tank House with the windmill! Beautiful grounds & gardens~

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  8. Hi Betty, I love house tours! How was the gift shop:)? Looking forward to part 2! Linda

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  9. What an interesting place to take photos!
    Thanks for stoppin' by and leaving such a nice comment.

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  10. This house is old, and yet it looks good as new! I love every detail of it. The environment seems to be so serene. I've always dreamed of owning a home that looks vintage, like those from the 1940's. I think I'm gonna have metal spiral stairs installed in the kitchen, so that I can sneak easily in to the kitchen when I'm hungry. :)

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I'm so delighted that you have visited my blog...
Thanks for your comments as I enjoy reading them.
Betty

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