-
The Stunning Storybook Homes of Willow Glen
Willow Glen
Willow Glen is often called San Jose’s local treasure. Not only does it have a historic downtown full of fabulous shops and restaurants, but also the most enchanting storybook homes. I had already checked out San Jose’s storybook homes near the Municipal Rose Garden. I was so excited to discover more in Willow Glen.
Storybook Homes
What is a storybook home? Storybook architecture was created in the Los Angeles area during the 1920s. Storybook homes often have deeply sloped or thatched roofs. They may also have turrets and dovecotes, arched doors and windows, and eyebrow dormers. They are often made of stucco, brick and half-timbering.
Often featuring crooked walls, rustic chimneys, and sometimes cartoonish features, storybook homes soon became the rage across the country.
While most of the homes near the Municipal Rose Garden are from the same period, I found that in Willow Glen, the storybook homes are interspersed with both older and newer homes.
I just love the quaint chimney and the asymmetrical gable on the entryway of this home!
I never tire of seeing the lovely gardens and especially the roses in the San Jose area!
Fun facts about Willow Glen
- During the 1800s there was a marshy area between the Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek. Filled with willows and cattails, it inspired the name Willow Glen.
- Before becoming a town, Willow Glen was one of the most prized and valuable farming areas in the Sant Clara Valley.
- Willow Glen Road was renamed Lincoln Avenue in 1865, shortly after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
- The area became incorporated as a city in 1927 to avoid the rerouting of the Southern Pacific Railroad down Lincoln Avenue. (Caltrain uses the track rerouted to a different area today.)
- Willow Glen residents voted to be annexed to San Jose in 1936 primarily to join the bigger city’s stage system and avoid having to build their own.
- During the Christmas season, many locals display small, multi-colored light Christmas trees in their front yards, a tradition that started in 1950.
- Today, Willow Glen is one of the most expensive places to live in Silicon Valley. According to trulia.com, the typical home value here is over one million dollars.
For more information, see Willow Glen. Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also enjoy Cottage Love in Carmel-by-the-Sea and 12 Storybook Cottages to Enchant You! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
-
Vintage Fun in San Jose’s Willow Glen
Willow Glen is known as “San Jose’s Local Treasure”. It is an area filled with quaint vintage houses on quiet tree-lined avenues. It is also home to some unique shops and amazing restaurants.
Magpie welcomes you with a variety of felicities, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to paint. It is one of those unique, creative, quirky places where there is so much to look at you don’t know where to start.
Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen was packed to the gills, even in the middle of the afternoon. It was standing room only. They have outdoor dining and this was also packed. Waiting in line here for handmade ravioli and fresh, delicious sandwiches and desserts is well worth it.
Park Place Vintage carries vintage clothing and collectibles and even has costume rentals!
Petroglyph is a cool ceramics lounge. I have not seen ceramics like this since my Mom painted Peanuts characters for my brothers and me in the 1970s. They supply use of all paints, brushes and art materials as well as assistance. Once your artwork is complete they fire them in on-site kilns for you. They even host group activities. Petroglyph indicates they are “designed as a place to gather, connect, and creatively explore”. I wanted to stay and creatively explore, but so many shops, so little time!
The cozy Mariette Chocolates has not only freshly made chocolates, but also fudge, coffee, pastries, gelato, and hot chocolate. I love the cute little vintage tables and chairs.
Susie Cakes is a super cute vintage bakery with very friendly staff.
The Willow Glen Collective is chockful of antiques and vintage finds.
The cozy outdoor seating at Vin Santo is so inviting.
Downtown Willow Glen frequently hosts festive events, including its annual summer festival, “Dancin’ on the Avenue”, which features music, food, and local wines. On Thursday, February 7th, from 5-8 pm Willow Glen is hosting a “Ladies’ Night Out”, which features “pampering”, as well as refreshments and specials! Sounds like fun to me!
San Jose is home to some wonderful places, and I am adding Willow Glen to the list. For more information, see Willow Glen.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!