George W. Downs House
history : victorian homes : George W. Downs House
538 Fillmore Street / Built 1886
George Downs was born in 1825 on the east coast and was drawn to California by the hope of quick riches from the gold fields. When this did not happen he drifted north and found work at the Discovery Bay Mill.
In 1858, the S. L. Mastick Company of San Francisco established the Port Discovery Mill on the western shore of the bay, at what today is called "Mill Point." The old growth timber on the steep hillsides above the mill were felled, slid down to the sawmill, milled into lumber and loaded from the wharf to ships for other ports.
Downs prospered as the manager of the mill which allowed him to build this magnificent victorian home as well as pursue ownership in other local businesses. Filled with spectacular stained glass windows, the downs house represents the epitome of Victorian grace and elegance.
Downs and his wife raised three daughters, Sarah, Cordelia and Cassandra. Cassandra lived in the home until the mid 1960s.
The interior features twelve foot ceilings and four fireplaces. A solarium was added in the 1960s and an immense room has an elaborate gate and stunning stained glass window.
The home is currently listed for sale for $889,000.
history : victorian homes : George W. Downs House