In bustling Silicon Valley, it is often hard to remember that we were once known as the Valley of Hearts Delight, filled with orchards as far as the eye could see.

Every once in a while, you come across a gem that reminds you of a much simpler time – a time without Twitter, Tivo and Ipods – the Galindo-Leigh House in Campbell.

Just under an acre, the house on Peter Drive was built in 1830 and is listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. Originally owned by Juan Galindo, who was affiliated with the Santa Clara Mission, the 180 acre property was sold to Hugh Leigh in 1874 who was a physician to Napoleon Bonaparte.

Today the grounds boast one of the first private tennis courts in the Bay Area. It has a two story carriage house, complete with wide plank dance floor and chandeliers made of wagon wheels. There is a swimming pool with a cabana house that I am sure was the center of some wonderful summer evenings.

As expected with a home over 180 years old, the house itself requires major TLC.  The floors are sloping and it lacks many modern conveniences.  Yet the house has such character that it hard not wonder what it must have been like to grow up in this history filled home.  The stair railing and balusters are beautifully carved and perfectly intact.  The master bedroom features a wood burning stove, stained glass windows greet you in the sitting room and original tiles grace the fireplace.  You can find the original water well and enjoy the afternoon on the expansive porch.

The Galindo-Leigh House is a reminder that in many places you simply need to walk down the street to find your next history lesson.

5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2500 Sq Feet
140 S. Peter Drive
Campbell, CA
The house is currently for sale and is listed for $1,995,000.
If you’d like to view the home contact:
Valerie Mein
Email: vmein@interorealestate.com
Website: http://agent.interorealestate.com/VMein/

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Palo Alto Andalusian Spanish Style Oasis

Here’s the complete slideshow:

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 10:18 pm and is filed under Architecture, Peek of the Week, Sheila. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.