I used the zoom feature on my little Canon A710 IS camera to capture this image of Holly Hill House, about a mile from our balcony at the Hotel Metropole. Read what some other websites are saying about this house below the image.
From Island Life:
The charming Queen Anne style cottage on the bluff over looking Avalon Bay has been a local landmark since 1890. The third oldest house in Avalon, its history mirrors that of the town. The house has always been a private residence, and Vlctor Kreis, the current owner, has restored it and furnished it with turn-of-the-century antiques.
From Silvery.net
The picturesque Holly Hill House is one of the top three or four icons on Santa Catalina Island. It’s perched on one side of the little valley that forms the edges of the City of Avalon. The vintage home is representative of the Queen Anne variant style of classic Victorian architecture. Supposedly, the little turret caught fire and burned, but this was fully restored by the home’s present owner.
From Catalina Images
Built in the late 1800’s almost single handedly by Peter Gano using his horse, “Mercury”, to haul large timbers and lumber. It was to become home for him and his betrothed who lived on the mainland. Her fear of isolation on the island ended their wedding plans and made Peter an embittered man. Legend has it that he posted a sign on his property saying, ” No women allowed”, and lived in the house alone for several years until he sold it and moved back to the mainland. The Queen Anne style of the Holly House is just one very fine example of many of the diverse architectural sights of Avalon.
