l. Two historically significant aspects of Coxhead House:
Architects
Inhabitants
ll. History
During 1891, San Francisco was in turmoil and rapidly changing. At the time of the
gold rush, a great deal of money poured into the city. Ernest A. Coxhead, a noted
English architect, decided to build his family's country retreat here,in San Mateo.
Coxhead used the English rural vernacular, with a double bowed roof and delicate leaded
windows, to add charm to his English cottage. The idea of the rustic suburb quickly
gained popularity around the Bay Area, influenced by Coxhead and his colleagues,
Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck. They added new Arts & Crafts techniques and
innovations to English country homes. This rustic Tudor Revival home has survived,
almost untouched, for over a century. Coxhead House creates its current ambiance by
paying tribute to all three architects.
lll. How did we come to do this?
Purchased in 1991 and began to update, starting with the kitchen and electrical system.
Became fascinated with the rich history of the house, sharing it with others, and began to
consider the prospect of conversion to a Bed & Breakfast. In 1996, hired an architect,
Martin Dreiling, to design the project, and then a contractor, Stanley Acton,
to carry out the plans.
lV. What is our theme?
The architects themselves, with the Ernest Coxhead, Julia Morgan,
and Bernard Maybeck rooms. Hand-painted murals of their work, Wyntoon illustration,
and sustaining the house, as is. (Brick from a crumbling fireplace was used to create a
courtyard floor - the copper shower pans were used to create an Old English sign.)
V. Inhabitants
Ernest Coxhead - lived here 1891 - 1924 (1903 wife died in childbirth,
1906 S.F. earthquake), wife active in Mills Auxiliary. Coxhead designed the original
S.F. civic center along with Maybeck and Morgan (?) and several Episcopalian Churches
as well as homes.
Arthur Pope & Phyllis Ackerman - lived in the house nicknamed
scholar's cottage from 1924 to 1943. Founded the Asia Arts Foundation, foremost
authorities on Persian art, architecture and Persian rugs (she catalogued the Hearst
collection, they authored 36 volumes). Only Americans honored in Iran with a park and
mausoleum in their names.
Laughlin Family - lived in the house from 1943 - 1951 - modernized the kitchen.
Marian and James Hemingway - lived in the house from 1951 to 1991. They were
founders of the San Mateo Unitarian Church which met in the living room until they
purchased a building. She was very active in the Democratic Party and became the
1st female City Council member in San Mateo.
Pat Osborn & Steve Cabrera - purchased the house in 1991. 1994 San Mateo
centennial -house catalogued as eligible for National Register. 1996 San Mateo City
declared Coxhead House a local historical landmark. 1997 opened as a B&B.
1998 application as National Register property -honored by the
City of San Mateo as "most improved small business-rehabilitation" and owners awarded
"Entrepreneur of the Year" by the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce.
In April 2000, the Coxhead House was designated a "National Historic Landmark".
This status is the highest level of recognition given by the United States government
and is reserved for places that "possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating and
interpreting the heritage of the United States." Coxhead House is also now a
"California State Historic Landmark".