The first time I ever saw this house I was 15 and on the way to the Santa Ana DMV to get my driving permit. It is the last of the great houses on 4th Street and is surrounded by low-slung office buildings. However, I was able to dig up some archival images of the house when it was in its prime.
I've always found awnings somewhat romantic in a Parisian cafe sort of way. Even though 1920's Santa Ana was a far cry from Parisian cafe society, I'm sure those awnings would have been in constant use from June through September to shield the occupants from the heat oppressive summer heat. After all if the oranges and the irrigation that came along with those orange trees hadn't come along, all of Orange County would be barren scrub land.
I love the incongruous feeling that 1920's mansions exude. This house has an "Italian" facade, a Jacobean ceiling, heavy English paneling, and a Craftsman tiled fireplace. Each room has its own character and reflects the financial success of the owner.
The exterior is basically unchanged but I can only imagine what these interiors look like now.
