This home is a “sleeper,” hidden on the far less-traveled south end of Keystone. Even if you drive the overpass regularly, you have probably not noticed it, though it has been there since at least 1914 and is a part of the historic Powning’s Addition and Gilbert’s Rearrangement.
It is unconfirmed who built the home, but it was likely John Hawthorne. Hawthorne and his wife Grace moved to Reno shortly after the turn of the century. John had gotten lucky with his mining interests in Goldfield, Nevada. In 1905, he purchased four lots from G. B. Ginocchio, one of which matches the block and lot description of our tour home’s location. Hawthorne died in 1916. A wedding between Louis Ginocchio and Andrea Ghiggeri took place at this address in 1914, so the home might have been built anytime between 1905 and 1914.
The home is a Craftsman Bungalow through and through. There is the prominent front porch, organic (wood shingle) siding, knee-braces beneath the gable, hipped dormers and original Craftsman windows with upper divided lights that have survived for 110 years. It is unusual to find a structure of this age still so true to its original design.
Early longtime owners were Joseph and Florence Fanning who came to reside in Reno in 1921. Frank managed the Colonial Apartments and passed away in 1940. Florence held weddings for friends and relatives in the Keystone home and died in 1954 after raising two sons there. In 1947, Florence was granted a building permit in the amount of $250 to remodel a garage into a residence. Beginning in 1948, a second address, 27 ½, appeared in the city directory. The first resident was son Frank who then inherited the property, selling it in 1956. In 1963, there were three addresses shown; 27a was added to 27 and 27 ½. It is likely that the large front room with a separate entrance was closed off to provide the owner with additional rental income. But by 1979, the property had returned to two addresses: 27 and 27 ½.
Walking inside, you are immediately transported to an earlier era. This is a very well-preserved home with its original hardwood floors and lovely interior French doors used to close off rooms as needed. The color scheme is cool and restful, and the home is furnished with wonderful period pieces that complement its early heritage. The dining room has a charming built-in china cabinet. The kitchen, while not original, was updated in a period-appropriate style. There are two bedrooms and a remodeled, nicely-appointed bath. The second unit to the rear of the home will not be available to view.
As an interesting postscript, Grace Hawthorne, mentioned above, became the owner/landlady of the two Riverside cottages that later became one. How serendipitous that these two properties were linked well before we scheduled them both for this home tour! We know you will love this very special home.