Updated Jan 2021
“A Spanish Type Home for Smith Reserve” (now the Piedmont Pines section of Montclair in Oakland) –
Oakland Tribune December 15, 1929.
“The Casa Maria Luisa,” the first of the “Daughter of Peralta” homes will be open an exhibition residence with imported furnishings in Smith Reserve shortly after Jan 1, 1930. Fully decorated by H.C. Capwell company and sold by the Realty Syndicate.
Casa Maria Luisa, when completely furnished, represented an investment of $50,000.
“Master craftsmen have been employed in building and furnishing this usual home”
Oakland Tribune January 19, 1930
The beams and ceilings were stenciled by one of the noted Cathedral Artists, lighting fixtures from rare old-world patterns, overhanging balconies reminiscent of early Spanish-California with heavy doors. Oriental rugs of Spanish design made to order. The house had numerous 1930’s state of the art features, including a Walker Electric Sink and a two-ventilator in the kitchen.
Casa Maria Luisa occupies three wooded lots with a panoramic view. Surrounding the home with rare shrubs, plants, and Monterey and Cypress Trees.
Casa Maria Luisa opened to rave reviews claiming to be “the most beautiful and popular home ever shown in Oakland.”
By April of 1930 the number of people who visited Casa Maria Luisa was 46,000.
In 1931, The Oakland Tribune Yearbook named it one of the most beautiful homes of that year.
In 1987 a couple bought the home from the original owner Cordelia Wanderforde, who had lived there some 50 years. They put a lot of money into repairing and updating the house.
- 6514 Ascott Drive
- Built 1929-30
- Smith Reserve (Piedmont Pines)
- Realty Syndicate
- Hamilton Murdock – Architect
- Opened 1930 for a $18,500
- Last sold 1997 for $698,000
More Info:
- Spanish Type Home to Open –Oakland Tribune Jan 12, 1930
- 46,000 See Display Home – SF Examiner April 5, 1930
A Bit of History 
I was a close friend of Delia – as she disliked her given name Cordelia – although in her waning years she became reclusive and difficult; I may have been her only friend at her passing. As an architect I was fascinated by the original magnificence of the home and enjoyed many hours talking with her in the beautiful dining room. Both her and the house’s decline bothered me deeply. I devoted a chapter to her in my autobiography as she meant that much to me.
David Reichel
Architect
Lemon Grove, CA
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to know more about her. I believe the architect for her house might have been Hamilton Murdock. I think I went to Skyline with your daughter? Class of 1980.
LikeLike