Woodhills, Cupertino
historic place
Woodhills, a historic place in Cupertino, Santa Clara County, stands as a significant architectural and social landmark. Built around 1914, this distinctive home was the residence of prominent San Francisco newspaper editor Fremont Older and his wife, historian and author Cora Older. The house, designed by architects including Frank Delos Wolfe, featured an unusual style for its era, blending Modern Movement and Shingle architectural elements. The Olders used Woodhills as a gathering place, hosting many literary, artistic, and political figures of their time. Fremont Older was known for his journalistic crusades, advocating for social reforms. Cora Older also pursued a career in social reform through journalism and was a noted local historian. In 1975, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District acquired the property. The house was initially slated for demolition, but local newspaper publishers Mort and Elaine Levine intervened. They leased the property in 1979 and undertook a twelve-year restoration, investing significantly to preserve the home. Woodhills was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1978. Today, Woodhills remains a private residence, occasionally open for tours, preserving a tangible link to the social and architectural history of Cupertino.