House Tour: Go Inside a 100-Year-Old Craftsman, Recently Restored

A historic home in La Verne, CA, The Kuns House typifies the Craftsman style, which rose to prominence in the late 1800s and remained popular through the 1930s. In its simplicity and honesty of materials, Craftsman-style architecture was a rebellion against what had come before it—the decorative (and some would say overwrought) Victorian style that'd come before.

Craftsman style always placed an emphasis on wood. In that way, the Kuns House dutifully upholds the Craftsman tradition, with wood floors, doors, and wainscoting. The restorationists worked hard to refinish the century-old walnut and maple throughout. It's a testament to their skill that today, the place looks much as it must have a century ago. 

"I've put so much into the Kuns home—probably more than I should have—but I wanted the work, the granite, the colors, the lighting to be of consistent quality, and details reflect the historic period. Everything is historic, inside and outside. There are even 10-foot ceilings with vaulted arches on the main floor," says Ray Adamyk, founder and president of the Spectra Company, the group responsible for the restoration. 

The outdoor space includes stone walls, majestic oak, xeriscape landscape, and a private patio courtyard.

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Completed two months ago, the home remains on the market for $1.6 million. And it’s turning heads: Sotheby’s reports that potential buyers are inquiring about it weekly. Much of the credit for that belongs to the skilled artisans who carefully brought the place back to life.

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!