More than four decades before John Steinbeck arrived in Monterey, Frank Hellam was already a well established name in the area. Frank Woodhull Hellam moved to the coastal town in 1900, and soon after, opened the first Climax Cigar Store. By 1908, Hellam had built the business into the largest retail cigar store in the country.
Frank and Amelia Hellam raised their family just blocks away in a modest Queen Anne style home, built by George Miller, which combined a front section with the addition of a single room cottage that was relocated from the Del Monte Hotel just blocks away. Frank’s father, John Hellam, built the rock wall repurposed from the demolition of an adobe house on the property— and later a brick chimney—both of which you can see today.
125 Years later, under the guidance of historian Margaret Clovis, and architect John Scourkes (member of the Monterey County Historic Resources Review Board), Guild Craft Builder had the privilege of renovating and updating this historically important house.
PHASE 1: In renovating the main house, we took particular care in maintaining the overall architectural character, while allowing for modern updates in utilites, energy efficiency, heating, and kitchen and bathroom improvements.
PHASE 2: Connected to the south side of the main house, a modern two-story wing was added consisting of a sunroom, a rooftop deck, and two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Additionally, several historically significant outbuildings were rehabilitated for use as laundry, home office and recreation.
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
General Contractor
Guild Craft Builder
Design & Interiors
Guild Craft Builder
Architect
John N. Scourkes
Regional Historical Expert
Margaret E. Clovis
DISTINCT FEATURES
Retained all original channel rustic drop siding, trim and casing detail
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Restored gabled & hipped roof sections, eaves and facia boards
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Restored dormers, the hexagonal shingles and gable returns
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Releveled interior floors
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Fully upgraded electrical, gas, and water utilities; and heating system
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Preserved and restored original doors, windows, and hardware
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Preserved interior wood floors, wall panelling, and millwork
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Updated kitchen and bathrooms
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Wolf, Bosch and True kitchen appliances
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Integrated home automation includes lights, heating & cooling, window coverings, and audio & video.
GOOD BONES: Photos show the front of the house, the kitchen, attic bedroom, and the wash house prior to renovation.
