COPE HOUSE
Clare Van Loon
The simplicity of the Cope House drew Jerry and Sharon Hoyle to it back in 1986, when its occupant, Dorothy M. Cope, passed away. The Hoyles were living two blocks away at the time and had never considered purchasing the beautiful old home. They were as surprised as anyone to find that their bid had prevailed against all but one of four other bidders, and even more surprised to learn that, since the sale of the house was probated, they could appear in open court and bid on it. It was an unusual way to acquire a home, but the prize for their efforts was well worth their patience. Built in 1900 by Dorothy’s father, Redlands businessman Edward M. Cope originally of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the late Victorian home was occupied continuously by the Cope family since 1901. The historic home, located at 933 Walnut Street, has benefited from the Hoyles’ loving attention. Their renovations have preserved the look of the original structure while enhancing the home to modern standards. At times, though, there were difficulties to be surmounted.
When the Hoyles modernized the kitchen and added a breakfast nook to it, they could not find four-inch siding to match the rest of the house’s exterior. Local artisan Jerry Bates custom-milled the siding and created additional wood molding, wainscoting and beadwork for the kitchen and nook. The handsome cherry woodwork around the stove is an example of his work.
Since the front of the house receives little sun, the Hoyles added a conservatory on the rear of the house in 1994. To address the problem of adding a structure where there were no load-bearing features to support it, the Hoyles turned to long-time friend, architect, and Redlander Kenneth P. Schofield. His ingenious solution involved using metal bars as supports across the ceiling rather than adding trusses. Finished off with decorative finials that Sharon found and had fitted, the rods make a clean, attractive finish to the room.
In recognition of their efforts, the Redlands City Council designated the house a Redlands Historic Resource Property on January 2, 1990.
Sharon laughingly relates that when visiting Ireland recently to connect with her ancestors, they found the family castle was being renovated! While her relatives across the sea have a much bigger job on their hands, the work the Hoyles started is not yet finished. After removal of a large (empty) water tank in the attic, decisions still must be made on how to use that space. Whatever the Hoyles decide, it will surely be in keeping with the simplicity and beauty of the home built when Redlands was young.
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