If there is such a thing as destiny, Linda and Joseph Pepper and their Blue Victorian are living proof. The house that will be one of three featured in the Autumn in the Rose Garden Homes Tour this weekend (Oct. 18-19) seemed tailored just for them. But they almost missed it. Four years ago, the Peppers were around the corner, actually, waiting for their realtor to show up to make an offer on another house. They had a little time, so they took a walk.
And there it was, the blue Victorian …
with the graceful front porch and Gothic window above. They asked for a tour and their jaws dropped every step of the way.
These Florida transplants _ Joseph is the nephew of the late U.S. Sen. Claude Pepper _ had never seen a real pepper tree. And here centered in the backyard was a grand old one with a trunk the size of patio table.
Linda is a passionate member of the Jane Austen Society _ and there stood a white gazebo under the pepper tree perfect for afternoon tea and a good read. She is also a Bible school teacher _ and hold your breath now _ a mysterious chapel with a gothic-arched ceiling was tucked into the second floor. After much investigation, they discovered that the house had once been home to priests from the nearby Greek Church.
“Some things are just meant to be,” Linda Pepper said.
Their home features antiques and china from the late senator, as well as furniture and paintings. A pair of century-old George and Martha Washington lamps adorn the master bedroom.
The house is listed on the historic registry as “The Blue Victorian.” And even if they wanted a change, the Peppers couldn’t paint the house anything but blue.
But the backyard needed a little sprucing up, so landscape designer Shannon Swain came to take a look. Like the owners, she was struck by the huge ancient pepper tree smack in the middle of the yard. She was thrilled to see it.
“So many people go in and chop down old trees,” said Shannon of ShannonGardens Landscape Design. “They’ve honored the old age of the house by leaving it and having the garden grow around it.”
She focused on the sunny raised beds and set about planting a sustainable garden, with vegetables, herbs and flowers, too.
Placing a ceramic pot in the center and adding wooden teepee poles, Shannon planted string beans and snap peas, then kale, broccoli, red cabbage and an artichoke. A cutting garden of sun flowers, daisies and chrysanthemums was also added.
“You can have a vegetable garden and still have a beautifully aesthetic garden, too,” she said. “It’s what I like to think of as a French country garden. They always integrate flowers and vegetables into garden settings.’”
The garden now is not only beautiful, it’s sustainable.
The other homes on the tour include a 1930s Georgian house with a secret stairway, a new home with every luxury, and an estate garden where a tea and luncheon will be served.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, 2008. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Tour begins at 1262 University Ave, San Jose
Tickets: $30 in advance. $35 at the door. Lunch tickets, $13.
Benefitting St. Martin of Tours School, San Jose.
Here’s the complete slideshow:
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