Wolf House

The Wolf House is a stone ruin near Glen Ellen, California, built from volcanic rock, redwood logs, concrete, and blue slate in the American Craftsman style. The remains show thick masonry walls with multiple rooms and architectural details that reveal the original scale and complexity of what was planned as a substantial private residence.

Construction started in 1911 under architect Albert L. Farr's direction, following Jack London's vision for his personal estate. A major fire in 1913 destroyed the interior completely, leaving only the exterior stone walls intact.

The residence embodied Jack London's vision of blending artistic craftsmanship with natural materials found on the property. Visitors walking through the remains can observe how the writer's personal philosophy shaped every structural choice.

The ruins are accessible through Jack London State Historic Park and can be explored on marked pathways. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the ground is uneven and terrain varies throughout the site.

Investigators determined in 1995 that the fire originated from spontaneous combustion of linseed oil-soaked rags, not arson as was long suspected. This forensic finding shed new light on how the structure was actually destroyed.

Location: California

Inception: 1910

Architects: Albert L. Farr

Architectural style: American Craftsman

Made from material: Sequoia sempervirens, volcanic rock, concrete, slate

GPS coordinates: 38.35060,-122.54300

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55