"Pyke House" was commissioned by and built for Albert Pyke
(film credits), a Hollywood art director who worked on Citizen
Kane and other films. Constructed in 1926, the home has had only three owners. Though strongly influenced by English Tudor style,
this home's whimsical elements place it firmly in storybook territory.
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Pyke House as seen from the southwest. Storybook elements visible here include an abundance of wood-shingled roof surfaces,
curved and wavy half-timbering, a large chimney constructed of both crazed and clinker brick, randomly-placed stones in walls
and chimney, a batten-type door with oversized storybook hinges, and a fence made of boards of varying length.
(Photo by John Robert Marlow)
Pyke House from the south. Note the prominent curving timbers beneath the large front windows, and the deceptively-scaled
minature window at right (another classic storybook element).
(Photo by John Robert Marlow)
Southeast view of Pyke House, showing prominent jerkinhead gable. But for the street and surrounding homes, this storybook
could be resting in a forest glen.
(Photo by John Robert Marlow)
The wonderful crazed-and-clinker brick chimney collapsed to rubble in a recent earthquake. Using photos taken before the quake,
the home's current owner reconstructed the chimney brick-by-brick—placing each in its proper place.
(Photo by John Robert Marlow)
The home's batten door, as seen past the chimney. Note the oversized storybook hinges, and irregular flagstones leading to the
entrance.
(Photo by John Robert Marlow)
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A Penguin on Every Page.
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