William Hood House

The William Hood House is a two-story brick building on Sonoma Highway that combines original 19th-century elements with later craftsman improvements. The interior features multiple fireplaces, oak furnishings, and period details that developed over several generations of occupation.

The house began in 1858 when William Hood built his residence on Rancho Los Guilicos land, using bricks made on the property itself. Early in the 20th century, the original farmhouse structure was expanded and modernized through architectural renovations.

The residence is named after its original builder and shows how affluent families of the region lived and furnished their homes. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship in fireplaces and wooden fixtures that reflect the daily life of a well-to-do household from that era.

The building is located outside downtown but remains easily accessible, and it has been reinforced for earthquake safety to protect its structure. The location allows visiting together with other historic sites in the wider area.

The brick walls display visible differences because workers used varying firing techniques when making the bricks on site, giving the exterior an uneven appearance. This natural character reveals the handmade nature of 19th-century building work.