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If you have any trouble accessing your account or linking your subscription, our Subscription FAQ may have the answer you need. For the best tour experience, move throughout the home by clicking the translucent rings on the floor. View images in the pop-up windows without the overlaying text by double-clicking the image to enlarge it, then clicking the up arrow on the upper right corner. The stately newel post at the bottom of the staircase, characteristic of the Italianate style, was recreated especially for the house. The staircase, with its hand-turned balusters, is a good example of the high quality of craftsmanship in a fine Victorian home.
Rengstorff House
The Rengstorff House is not just a museum; it’s a venue for celebrating the vibrant culture and history of San Francisco. Throughout the year, the house hosts a variety of events, from historical reenactments to seasonal festivals, each offering a unique way to experience the past. These events allow visitors to step into the shoes of the Rengstorff family and their contemporaries, participating in traditions that have shaped the local community. Whether it’s a Victorian-themed Christmas celebration or a summer garden party, the Rengstorff provides a picturesque setting for making new memories while honoring the past.
What historical significance does the Rengstorff House hold in San Francisco?
Mountain View Mayor Ellen Kamei, other city officials and key restoration leaders joined in showcasing the city’s oldest home and highlighting its significance in Bay Area history. This 12-room, 3,955 square foot house has 10-foot ceilings on the second story and 11-foot ceilings on the first floor. Four ornate marble fireplaces adorn the four main rooms on the first floor. These include the formal parlor (featured below), the family parlor, the music room, and the gentlemen’s parlor/office, which has the only black marble fireplace in the house. The present fireplaces are reproductions in the same style as the Rengstorff House originals. Additionally, we also own and manage the permanent collection on display on the museum level, and can purchase items, accept donations, and deaccession items for use at the house.
Can visitors experience both historical and modern attractions in San Francisco?
Efforts to maintain and restore the house are ongoing, with a focus on educational outreach and community engagement. Volunteers play a crucial role in these endeavors, contributing their time and expertise to ensure that the Rengstorff continues to be a source of learning and inspiration for future generations. The commitment to preserving this historical gem reflects the broader values of the community, emphasizing the importance of heritage and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Integrating a visit to the Museum of 3D Illusions with a tour of the Rengstorff House provides a comprehensive experience of San Francisco’s diverse attractions.
Rengstorff House is a relic of the City of Mountain View’s farming and maritime heritage. It is the City of Mountain View’s oldest standing house and one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture on the West Coast. Today, the beautifully restored museum home is a prime example of adaptive reuse and provides the perfect setting for visitors to acquaint themselves with the attributes of the 19th century. Before the Rengstorff House was restored in 1990, the Friends of “R” House worked for years to ensure the future of Mountain View’s oldest house.
Funds are also raised through the sale of items such as our Christmas ornaments, stationery, and media. You can make your purchases of any of the above while visiting the Rengstorff House. The Rengstorff House stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of San Francisco.
When Rengstorff died in 1906 at age 77, his daughter and her husband moved into the family home. Saved from destruction and then beautifully furnished by a community-based organization, this structure is available for public tours. LocationThe Rengstorff House is located within Shoreline at Mountain View, a 750-acre wildlife and recreation area on the edge of the San Francisco Bay. Nearby, you will find the Shoreline Lake, Golf Links and two classic eateries to enjoy and explore. The Rengstorff House serves as a vibrant center for cultural education and community engagement.
Each half of the front of the house is a mirror reflection of the other. Matching bay windows flank the front door with identical arched windows above them. A pair of square columns supporting the front portico and two matching brick chimneys complete the balanced look of the house. The Q&A session featured restoration leaders Mark Rogge and Ginny Kaminski, Jean Walker-Wiley the organizer of the original Friends of “R” House group who advocated for saving the house, and a former resident of the landmark. Free tours of the museum level are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1-4 PM. After an extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historical Rengstorff House is reopening to the public with limited hours and a celebration of 30 years since its restoration.
Redfin agents who toured
The Italianate design is evident in a hip roof with a central gable crowned by a widow’s walk, the front portico, and a symmetrical room layout. The five-paneled front door with beaded detailing and pairs of high, double-hung windows with arched tops is typical of the Victorian era. The Rengstorff House, Mountain View’s oldest house, is one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture on the West Coast.
We added enhanced lighting to set the mood and it was absolutely beautiful - this is another extra cost, but so worth it. It was amazing place to hold parties especially wedding ceremonies. I have recommended them to my friends also because I would like to go there again. Visitors to the Rengstorff House can learn about the architectural and historical significance of the building, the history of the Rengstorff family, and the house's role in the community throughout the years. The house serves as a testament to the preservation of San Francisco's history and cultural heritage.
From its architectural beauty to its historical significance, the house invites exploration and discovery, offering a window into the past that enriches our understanding of the present. Paired with the innovative experiences offered by the Museum of 3D Illusions, a visit to the Rengstorff provides a multifaceted journey through San Francisco’s storied landscape, bridging the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation. As we look to the future, the enduring legacy of the Rengstorff House reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories of yesterday continue to inspire and inform the generations of tomorrow. Beyond its role as a historical landmark, the Rengstorff House serves as a gathering place for the community, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
This house belongs to the city of Mountain View, so it's not advertised the way other private places are so is a very reasonably priced venue. They have a garden area which is used for the ceremony with lots of space for guests. You have to rent the furniture and sound system on your own.The staff was friendly and accommodating. We had our Ceremony in the back garden, Cocktails were served in the front garden and the main garden was used for the Reception.
Community Briefs: Rengstorff House holiday tours, county health clinic funding and a Chanukah celebration - Mountain View Voice
Community Briefs: Rengstorff House holiday tours, county health clinic funding and a Chanukah celebration.
Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Through its meticulously preserved rooms and gardens, the house offers an authentic portrayal of 19th-century life in San Francisco. The educational programs and historical displays curated by the house’s stewards provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the societal transformations that have shaped the region. Friends of “R” House (aka “The Friends”) is a nonprofit organization supporting the City-owned landmark that curates and manages the museum exhibit. We invite you to join a docent-led tour (courtesy of the City of Mountain View) and enjoy our special events with programming at the museum and garden. If you can’t make it in person, please check our 3D online exhibit below or via the “Tours” menu for more history and a walkthrough of the home.
The gardens surrounding the house are not to be missed, providing a serene backdrop that complements the house’s grandeur. Other ServicesRengstorff House is an ideal location for hosting private parties of varying sizes. In addition to wedding ceremonies and receptions, this location can accommodate all of your wedding events, such as engagement parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.
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