This being the first article for the ‘interesting real estate properties’ column, I thought it fitting to start with Christmas House of Rancho Cucamonga. It’s the large Victorian house on Archibald Avenue, just north of the 10 freeway. Perhaps you haven driven past and marveled that nestled among track homes and an industrial park, sits this Victorian gem peeking out from the skirts of mature landscaping. I know I have driven by and always wanted to stop, but never did, until recently.

The mild day and holiday season give a certain charm to the grand house that is decked out for Christmas. This is the season the house was built for. A wealthy lumber magnate, H.D. Cousins, relocated to the then-blossoming Cucamonga Valley in1904 with intentions of starting a thoroughbred farm. Being wealthy and having access to lumber, he built the house himself from redwood shipped down from northern California, and carted to its current location.

I found it very interesting that all the wood used is in fact redwood. There has been very little aging or damage, due to the fact that redwood is naturally resistant to wood-destroying pests. Unique in design and character, the house transports visitors to another time when life was simpler and slower-paced. From the moment one ascends the steps onto the wrap-around veranda, images of Victorian gatherings form in the mind.

Mrs. Cousins had the reputation for hosting lavish holiday parties, thus the name. An invitation to Christmas House was a sign of social standing and the well-to-do of the area looked forward to making an appearance at the Cousins’ home.

There are beautiful details throughout the home like carved woods, stained-glass windows, solid redwood pocket-doors and built-in shelving that are reminders of the grandeur and wealth of the era. I was lucky to have Janice Isley, current owner, talk to me about her lovely home that is also a bed and breakfast.

For her and her husband, Christmas House is a labor of love. The Isleys bought the house in 1983 and have spent the last 25 years thoughtfully restoring the proud house that sits back from the street.

There are seven working fireplaces throughout the house and Janice was kind enough to show me a Sears & Roebuck catalogue with page after page of fireplace mantles and mantle pieces. Many of the same designs from the catalogue are featured in the different rooms of Christmas House. On the first floor alone there are four fireplaces: in the sitting room, the library, the front living room and the formal dining room.

Up the wide staircase there are three bedrooms, some with their own fireplaces. The grand two-room suite boasts two fireplaces. In the past, it was a master bedroom with a ‘his and her’ side, husbands and wives had separate quarters. How Victorian!   

In the upstairs hallway, there is a curious cupboard that backs up to a fireplace. When Janice inquired about the cupboard, a former resident informed her that it was ‘where the cat was kept’, yet another interesting tidbit from days past. I am hoping it was a nap spot for the cat and not where one actually housed the family pet!

In one of the upstairs bathrooms, there is the original claw-footed bathtub and sink. They are a testament to Mr. Cousins’ wealth, since indoor plumbing and bathrooms were an extravagant display at the time.

The original carriage house has also been restored and two more guest bedrooms added. The landscaping is neatly manicured and wraps around the exterior of the house. A planter of roses welcomes guests and beckons to the front door. Old door knobs, original stained-glass, and original light fixtures have found new life with a little help from the Isleys.

In addition to running the bed & breakfast, the Isleys also host weddings. Memorable nuptials in front of a lit fireplace or a garden wedding among fragrant blossoms are a favorite of Janice’s. Many nervous grooms-to-be have ‘popped the question’ at Christmas House, some even with the help of Janice. She enjoys creating special moments for others in unique ways.

During my interview with her, we were surrounded by fresh garlands and many other natural elements that bring Christmas home. The tree in the front room glowed with amber light and reflected a Japanese-style motif complete with colorful parasols and tabletop bonsai accented with rich hues. Christmas, Victorian-style is very natural and Janice has made the effort to capture the feel of the era. While we talked, Christmas music played softly in the background and the mounted deer head over the fireplace watched us.

The scent of pine, clove and orange hung lightly in the air and garlands of dried fruit were draped across the library. As I took my leave of Christmas House, I glanced back at a time very different than today. There were no cell phones or video games, people left calling cards and played cards on the veranda. Iced tea was enjoyed while rocking on the front porch and life was just that—life.

So if you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by and see Janice. She’ll be happy to share the world of Christmas House with you. Sometimes, she even hosts ladies afternoon teas. Just ask her when the next one is. You can find her at http://www.christmashouseinn.com/. The address of Christmas House is 9240 Archibald Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. To inquire about prices and ask questions, you may also call (909) 980-6450.

Well, we’ll see what interesting properties I find for next time. I know there are many here in the Inland Empire. You may even know of a few yourselves. Drop me a message, and I’ll take your suggestions into consideration. Happy house hunting and see you next time!

Freelance writer, Brenda Dunkelman, previous life included a careers as a real estate agent. Watch for future columns on IE underground from Brenda. You can reach Brenda at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .