A t
the end of the scenic Redwood Retreat
Road in Gilroy’s west foothills, sits a
lovely old house that seems to have
let time pass it by. It has the character
and historical feel that lends itself to an old-fashioned
Christmas like no modern home can. And, it is the
TODAY Christmas house for this holiday season
and the home of Teri Nelson and Steve Smith.
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The History
The property was homesteaded by Charles Sanders in
1863. His two sons Wilburn and Irville built the Redwood
Retreat Resort in 1891. It was a grand structure that
could accommodate 44 guests in 20 rooms. It included a
swimming pool and lawn tennis court. From the retreat,
guests could fi sh in the creek on the property, hike the
many nearby trails, rest and refresh. On weekends they
hosted a dance in the nearby converted prune shed. The
1800’s metaphysical resort was a popular destination until
it burned to the ground on the 4th of July in 1908.
After that, the Sanders family built a small clubhouse
and dining room and a few cabins for visitors. Some of the
cabins remain today but the clubhouse became the modern
day Red House.
on Redwood Retreat Road
Written By Larry J. Mickartz
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
Today
After a period of neglect and several renovations it is a
charming two-bedroom two-bath home with an adjacent
bedroom and offi ce cottage. Teri Nelson, well-known
Intero Realtor and
TODAY contributor, moved into
the home a little over a year ago. Last September, she
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
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