Barton Villa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Barton Villa
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 11245 Nevada St., Redlands, California |
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| Area | 2.4 acres (0.97 ha) |
| Built | 1866-67; 1871-72; 1893 |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001176 |
| Added to NRHP | October 24, 1996 |
Barton Villa is a very old and special house located at 11245 Nevada Street in Redlands, California. It's known for its unique history and beautiful design. This house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
The house has changed its look over the years. It started as a simple, local-style house around 1866–1867. Then, it was updated to a Greek Revival style around 1871–1872. Finally, in 1893, it was changed again to the fancy Second Empire style. Barton Villa was the very first house in Redlands to be built with fired bricks, and it's also the oldest house still standing in Redlands today! When it was added to the National Register, it was the only house in Redlands built in the Second Empire style.
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What Makes Barton Villa Special?
Barton Villa is also known as Barton House or Barton Ranch. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This listing included the main house and two other important buildings on the property.
A Look at Its Architecture
The house has seen several changes in its design:
- Original Style (1866-1867): It began as a "vernacular" house. This means it was built using local materials and common building methods of the time, without following a specific fancy architectural style.
- Greek Revival (around 1871-1872): This style was popular in the 19th century and was inspired by ancient Greek temples. It often features grand columns and simple, elegant shapes.
- Second Empire (1893): This is a more elaborate style that became popular in France during the reign of Napoleon III. It often includes a distinctive mansard roof (a roof with four sloping sides, each becoming steeper halfway down), decorative details, and sometimes towers or domes.
Why Is It So Important?
Barton Villa is important for a few reasons:
- First Fired-Brick House: It was the first house in Redlands to be built with bricks that were hardened by fire. This was a big deal for construction at the time.
- Oldest Surviving House: It's the oldest house in Redlands that is still standing today, giving us a glimpse into the past.
- Unique Style: When it was listed on the National Register, it was the only Second Empire style house in Redlands, making it a rare example of this architecture in the area.
Who Was Dr. Ben Barton?
The house is closely connected to Dr. Ben Barton. He was an important early settler in the Redlands area and owned a lot of land. His contributions helped shape the community as it grew. The house stands as a reminder of his role in the early history of Redlands.
