Few mansions have the history of this one. It is the McNally Estatean architectural gem that remained hidden for more than 100 years and has a fascinating story behind it. It only became available for sale in 2019 and sold for $3 million in 2021.
The impressive home It was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 And thanks to Susan Pickering Photography, you can now see and appreciate the interior. Here is the story of the McNally estate.
The story of the mysterious mansion
Born in Ireland to Scottish parents, Andrew McNally He emigrated to the United States in 1857 in search of economic prosperity. After settling in Chicago, He co-founded the cartography publishing house Rand McNally & Co together with William Randand they both became millionaires.
However, When he traveled to California at the age of 40, he fell in love with its climate and landscape, so he decided to settle there and build a house.completed in 1888 by the famous architect Frederick Roehrig. The architectural style of the house is considered a “simplified Queen Anne style.” It features a striking round turret, but with unadorned wooden shingles and clapboards.
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After settling into the warm climate of the American state and becoming a “gentleman farmer,” In 1904, at the age of 68, McNally died of pneumonia.Over time it was preserved quite well and passed through the hands of different owners, although its The current excellent condition is largely due to the Dupuy family.which preserved it with its original elements for more than 50 years.
This is the Victorian mansion that was hidden for more than 100 years
The McNally Estate It occupies 2,000 square meters and has nine bedrooms and five bathrooms.Its interior stands out for its original details from the 19th centuryand boasts a stunning view of Catalina Island. It also features carved woodwork, beautiful stained glass windows and Douglas fir wood paneling.
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On the other hand, all the spaces in the house generate a feeling of spaciousnessdue to its high ceilings and huge windows. It also has extremely cozy living rooms and a dining room.
The most striking part of the house is the octagonal turkish hallwhich features Middle Eastern-style wood paneling and luxurious silk fabrics with embroidered patterns, as well as eye-catching carpets and low sofas. Arabic phrases, believed to be words from the Koran, are printed on the upper walls.
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In the last century, Much of the original grounds and gardens have been lost in private sales.and the house now sits on just 0.32 hectares. However, some features of the original 4.8 hectare estate are still preserved.
At the moment, The back garden still maintains an amazing birdhousean old fad of McNally’s for the Victorian fashion of collecting tropical flora and fauna.
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Source: Ambito
