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Stained Glass
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS OF GOLDEN GATE VILLA
One of the most strikingly beautiful features of Golden Gate Villa are the 20 original stained glass windows found throughout. While the maker is unknown, the Villa's stained glass has been described by experts as Tiffany-quality, referring to the celebrated stained-glass innovator Louis Comfort Tiffany. The windows incorporate hundreds of gem-cut stained glass jewels that reflect a rainbow of prismatic colors into the rooms.
Gem-cut stained glass jewels in the transom over the front door reflect in the mirror of the reception hall fireplace, scattering the entryway with a color.
Crowning the large front picture window of the gold parlor, a long slender transom with floral motifs and faceted jewels.
The transom above the east wall window in the gold parlor holds an inset panel depicting a romantic cottage in deep gold tones. It is thought to represent the boyhood home of Major McLaughlin who built Golden Gate Villa.
The rounded ballroom contains three curved stained glass window transoms with geometric motifs, the adjoining solarium has four similar panels which were recently restored.
Several of the formal rooms on the main floor are enhanced by stained glass motifs that identify the room:
Above the massive picture window of the dining room, a bounty of fruit and vegetables in shades of mauve, gold and green, surrounded by graceful fronds.
In the billiard room, a center panel shows pool players studying their shot. On each side, a side panel shows crossed cue sticks with pool balls in the quarters, suggesting a heraldic shield.
The music room is identified by another three-part window, the center panel showing a harp and pipes, between a horn on the left and a violin on the right.
The bathroom of the rounded master bedroom in the front tower contains a noted art nouveau masterpiece of water lilies shimmering on an opalescent pond. The gem-cut jewels of the window reflect sparkling color into the claw foot bathtub.
Lighting the broad curved staircase to the second floor is the masterpiece and soul of the house, a cathedral window containing a stained glass portrait of a young woman in ancient dress, amidst artistically-cut stained glass jewels. The portrait is thought to depict Agnes McLaughlin, daughter of family who built the Villa. Legend has it that some of her golden hair was mixed in the color of the glass, to give the true shade. The effect is breathtaking in the late afternoon when the sun moves into the west. The window is lit from outside after dark. In honor of its centennial, the window underwent a thorough restoration in 1990.
Own the Crown Jewel
of Santa Cruz
Come join us on a narrated video tour of this fabulous Victorian mansion. To start the tour just click on the image above or the link below. Refreshments will be served afterward in the atrium. Enjoy!
