Docents for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District are leading free tours of the historic Fremont Older “Woodhills” home and garden on Sunday, April 14, located in Fremont Older Open Space Preserve on the urban fringe of Cupertino and Saratoga.
Reservations are required for this annual event and will be accepted on a “first-come-first-serve” basis by calling the District office at 650-691-2153 on Friday, March 15 beginning at 10 a.m.
In 1914, Fremont Older, an unconventional local newspaper editor and his wife Cora, an author and historian, moved into their “Woodhills” home. Designed and built by architect Frank Delos Wolfe, the home was quite unusual for the time. The Olders hosted many literary, artistic, and political guests during their years in the home including Jack London, Carl Sandburg, and Senator Alan Cranston.
In 1975, the District purchased the property and the deteriorating house was scheduled for demolition. Mort and Elaine Levine, local newspaper publishers, wanted to see the journalistic legacy of Fremont Older and “Woodhills” preserved.
The District Board voted and approved a long-term lease with the Levines, who have lovingly restored the home to its early 20th century splendor and redesigned the grounds with impressive drought-tolerant and native landscaping. The Levines still live at “Woodhills” and the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.