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Princeton Cottage


245 E. Princeton Ave.

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This classic 1948 post-war cottage was designed by the famed Fresno Taylor-Wheeler Builders. Orville Taylor and Dennis Wheeler founded their company in 1927 and produced some of the finest and most unique homes in the Fresno area. Dennis Wheeler was a graduate of Fresno High, which makes these Taylor-Wheeler homes extra special. This charming home lies in the Terrace Gardens District. The property features unique beige brickwork on the exterior, including angled brick corners on the kitchen nook cutout. The fireplace has a hidden gem of an upside down Craycroft stamped brick in the original masonry fireplace. The registers in each room keep the floors cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The owners were drawn to this natural light-filled property with its refined architectural detail and most of the original elements lovingly preserved. Also appealing were the finished attic and basement which add character-filled living space. Art collecting, music, family, aviation, and education are among the many pastimes the owners enjoy, as seen by the collections in many of the rooms. The family’s French heritage is a large part of life in this home.

The art of the owners’ daughter is featured throughout. Her pieces have been sold throughout the country and cover a wide range of media. Unless otherwise noted, all original art pieces in the home are by her.

Living Room

High cove ceilings in the living room are a staple of a Taylor-Wheeler home. The entire home has original windows, and the front living room windows each contain 15 individual panes, beautifully framing the view of the surrounding homes. The Christmas tree features hand crafted ornaments hand painted by both of the homeowners’ daughters.

The book collection includes Fresno County history books. The hallway light fixtures with handblown glass were purchased by the owners from a shop in Pennsylvania.

Office and Bathroom

One of the homeowners served in the United States Air Force as a T-38 instructor pilot, and aviation photos feature him “at work.” He is currently an Airbus Captain with United Airlines.

One of the final projects complete by the homeowners’ son in college were the T-38 model the homeowner flew and the stand it rests on. He is an aviator as well, following in his father’s footsteps. The charcoal pencil drawings are of various aircraft the homeowner has flown during his career. A writing enthusiast, he published his first book Still Climbing: A Pilot’s Turbulent Journey Validating Life’s Important Lessons, in 2023.

The bathroom is on the left with original tile, beautiful octagon sink, and scalloped cabinetry.

Guest Room

The picture rail molding is consistent in all the bedrooms. All original honey colored wood floors. This room is the homeowner’s creative zone.

Master Bedroom

The gallery wall is a collection of vintage art, mostly curated from California antique shops. The double archway features sight view completely through the house, adding to the airy and open feel. The master bedroom overlooks the yard down below.

Basement and Hallway

Original wood paneling, painted brick and exposed mortar. In the hallway next to the classic telephone nook is a framed antique French dinner cruise menu from a cruise the homeowner’s parents enjoyed in 1963. There is a copy of the inside of the menu for guests to peruse. The menu items are quite adventurous. The left side is in French and the right side is mostly in English.

Dining Room

The modern glass chandelier is handblown. There are a number of woodblock prints including those of Clare Leighton from the 1930s. The traditional mail slot is still being used.

Kitchen and Breakfast Nook

The breakfast nook has the original French door with crystal knobs that are consistent throughout the house. There is the classic Taylor-Wheeler feature of a corner built-in shelf with cutout detail.

The kitchen has original tiled walls and an arched doorway as well as an original shallow single basin sink. There is also a built-in spice cabinet.

The backyard is a work in progress but there are plans to build a deck off the west side of the garage under the shade tree. The homeowners enjoy spending family time cooking outdoors, drinking coffee by the fire and on the porch swing.