Casa del Rey, the third of the three uniquely-styled cottages in a row on Joaquin Miller Drive in the Newlands Manor addition, is a Spanish delight. From the brightly-colored tiles in the entry to the dark wooden beams in the living room ceiling, the timbered door frames and black decorative metal switch plates in every room, this small home transports you to another land.
Like its next-door neighbor Greystone Castle, it is a domestic work of art. Its design was selected by developer W. E. Barnard who purchased a large plot of land and created a neighborhood comprised of unique homes of many styles. Although Barnard seemed to be fond of all the varying styles at work here, he was especially taken with Spanish or Mission-style homes. This home is a Classic Spanish Colonial Revival featuring a low-pitched side-gabled roof with no eave overhang. The clay tile roof and stucco walls are also classic examples of the style.
The home was basically a starter home, with most residents staying a few years then moving on. But in 1961, the H. Jackson Stephens family made Casa del Rey their longtime home. Stephens had come to Reno in 1932. He was an assistant city manager for Reno, purchasing this home and owning it until 1973. In 1976, Billie Armstrong bought the home. Billie was employed by the Reno-Sparks Convention Authority. A later owner of the home was Deputy District Attorney Warren Goedert. Years later, the home fell into serious disrepair and was purchased and restored to its former beauty by Tim and Nancy Gilbert, who have saved similar homes in crisis, such as the Humphrey House of the University Gateway neighborhood. The property is now a rental.
Today it is charming with a patio area and a small rear yard with a fountain. A fence and gates were created using discarded wood found in the yard and trimmed with a stylized metal grating. Like its two neighbors to the east, there is a single car garage opening to Monroe Street. Both the roof of the home and garage were in danger of caving in when the Gilberts purchased the property. The roofs were rebuilt and replaced with lovely, variegated terracotta clay tiles which complement the home’s original style. The attractive entry tiles are also featured in the kitchen with its distinctive red sink. The wood floors in the living room, hall and bedrooms have been refinished but are original to the home. The dining area’s floor is the original tile though the kitchen floor has been replaced. The highlight of the living room is the beehive fireplace. The unique sun-shaped switch plates are a theme that can be found in all the rooms, both on the walls and above the ceiling fixtures. They were replicated by the Gilberts from the original ceiling plate above the dining room chandelier.
The home has just this year been added to the Reno Register of Historic Places. It is certainly worthy of the honor, and we know you will be captivated by its charm.