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2250 Byron Street

2250 Byron

The following is from the 2009 Holiday House Tour booklet:

Built 1938 for Harlan Smith, this house was later owned by William and Flora Hewlett. The Hewletts expanded the house considerably. They converted the garage to living space, and purchased a portion of the lot next door to build a new garage. Once the Hewletts had moved out, the house spent many years as a rental for Stanford-affiliated tenants, and needed work. The present owners bought and remodeled the house in 1990. The resulting I-shaped plan forms a series of distinct three-side courts.

modern windows
entry courtyard

The present owners installed windows on the south side for more light, and replaced french doors with sliders. The v-groove pegged oakflooring is original, but was lightened. The used brick fireplace features the small adjacent window that is a Stedman and Stedman characteristic. The public, more formal court off the living room is paved in used brick, a Stedman preference— note the "Oakland" and "Livermore" stamps on some.

modern windows


recycled bricks

The dining room was enlarged with a nook that incorporated an entry closet; it was detailed to echo the cabinetry in the hall/gallery space beyond. The kitchen, earlier opened to the converted garage by the Hewlett family, now has views of the family room added by present owners. The original kitchen cabinets have an extra unit built to match. The bay at the breakfast nook may have been added by the Hewletts; it doesn't appear in the original plan.

kitchen

Knotty pine shelving embellishes the hall/gallery; note different tile sizes on the window sill. The Hewletts added a hallway and exit to the left of the gallery, plus a second bedroom. The present owners have opened up the two into one, leaving the exposed hip ceiling framing. The master bedroom was originally half its size until an addition by current owners. The room retains its original used brick fireplace. The center beam marks the original extent of the room. The master has a charming private garden court at the back of the property. The painting on the outdoor wall is by Palo Alto painter Marguerite Fletcher, done for the present owners.

corner fireplace


hallway bookcases
ceiling and glass Fletcher painting

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