July 1, 2005

Willow Glen Ranch Home Tour showcases 1950s homes

By Carol Rosen
Editor

It was just like the old days, except the adults were a lot older and the kids were all grown up!

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served at a cocktail party at the Melehan home prior to touring.

Between the Gates, the Willow Ranch Home Tour kicked off on Friday, June 10 with a cocktail party. The guest of honor was none other than Bob Dodge, the designer and builder of Willow Ranch, and his wife Dorothy. Their son, Tom Dodge also attended. The younger member of the Dodge clan is also in construction.

The homes in Willow Ranch were designed and built in the 1950s by Dodge and his uncle, Walker Vaughn. The high-priced development was built with wooden ranch-style gates for an exclusive feel. Lots were one-third to one-half acre. The development was kept rural by building it in a walnut orchard. Streets were unpaved and streetlights and sidewalks were not allowed. The first homes were built on Cottle Avenue with large front porches and front courtyards. The second street Dodge and Walker built on was Westgate, which incorporated large family rooms and swimming pools requiring fences.

The tour offered a look at the homes today and some of the changes they have undergone over the years. Four homes were featured on the tour, including the Maestri home, located on Westgate Avenue, which has grown to 4,000 square feet from its original 2,600. It now boasts a 450-square-foot kitchen and 10- to 12-foot ceilings. The backyard features a sparkling new pool, waterfall and putting green. The Maestris future plans include redecorating the master suite and constructing a rear patio pergola.

The Gallagher-Hyland home, also on Westgate, was the last house built in the development. The home is built on one-and-a-half lots with its square footage at 4,200. The couple that own the home are in kitchen designing and general contracting. The house features beautiful cabinetry with a barrel vaulted ceiling in the master suite. The owners plan to convert the basement bomb shelter into a wine cellar.

Ninety-year-old Bob Dodge poses with his wife Dorothy, son Tom Dodge, right, and Jim Zetterquist, second from left, homeowner, designer/contractor and president of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose. They stand next to a vintage early 1950s Thunderbird. Docents on the tour to commemorate the 1950s development were dressed in mid-50s clothing.

The Zetterquist home on Cottle Avenue is owned by the current president of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose, who also is a designer/contractor. He’s been remodeling the house for 26 years. Originally 1,700 square feet, it has grown to 3,400 square feet. Among its added features are a game room with exposed timbers and an 1890s bar, along with a 750-square-foot master suite inspired by a European hotel. Future plans include re-landscaping the back yard.

The Melehan home is also located on Cottle Avenue, and has been expanded to 3,000 square feet from its initial 1,750. Among the home’s newer attributes are a large family room with a cathedral ceiling and exposed beans, a master suite with a large dressing room and fireplace and a redesigned and updated kitchen.

The tour committee includes Joe Melehan, chairman, Jim Zetterquist, vice chair, and Bev Blockie, Jim Bunce, Patt Curia, Brian Grayson, Judi Henderson, Kayla Kurucz, Alex Marthews, Lucille Moyer, Kathy Pinna, Edie Pricolo, Helen Stevens and Deb Wible.