Contemporary meets Farmhouse
Wide floorboards, full-length windows, a double-fireplace - quintessential Mendocino.
One-of-a-Kind!
Built in 1855, the Spencer Hills home is a signature historic landmark in Mendocino, one of the great getaways along the California Coast. Though Victorian in look, many of its features are unique to this home, including the custom scrollwork along its face - appearing suspended from the eave fascia. It is the original farmhouse of the Hills estate.
Spencer Hills
Joe Fisher Hills came to Mendocino in 1852, shortly after the very first settlers. He was the first to open a company store on the Mill Site property near Big River; it was so successful, he constructed a second store on Main Street.
He later acquired 250 acres which ran all the way from Lansing Street to Gurley Lane, crossing what is now Highway One. In 1877, he sold these holdings to his younger brother, Spencer.
Spencer’s daughter, Alice, then married Joshua Grindle in 1878, who later inherited the property. Then Spencer added an east wing to the home, which is present-day kitchen. He also gave a plot of land to the east which is now the Joshua Grindle Inn.
With extra-large floorboards milled on the Coast - including many such touches throughout the home, floor-length windows, sweeping views over the town including the iconic Time and the Maiden statue and ocean can be enjoyed while sitting on the large deck. This is a one-of-a-kind home not to be missed -
Alice Hills
In no small part to the architect JD Johnson, who has (17) of his buildings in town still standing, leaving his mark indelibly on Mendocino.
Spencer Hills’ brother Joel, “… did hereby select, set apart and dedicate as a homestead, under the provisions … following prescribed property situated near and north of the mouth of the Big River.” Some years later, Joel sold it to his brother, Spencer.
Mrs. Hills was one of the first women settlers to follow their men to Mendocino. It speaks to Mendocino becoming a real township early on.
The land directly to the east of the Spencer Hills house was gifted to his only daughter Alice as a wedding present. Jerome Ford was the most eligible bachelor and people thought it scandalous went she instead chose Joshua Grindle, who was fourteen years her senior. The Joshua Grindle home still stands today.
