Historic Healdsburg Home, Built in 1868 for Pioneering Settler, Lists for $3.9 Million
The Greek Revival residence known as Hassett's Ranch, one of Sonoma County's oldest homes, is on the market for the first time in over a decade.
Hassett's Ranch, a historic Greek Revival home in Healdsburg, California, has been listed for $3.9 million. Built in 1868 for John D. Hassett, considered one of Sonoma County's prominent pioneering settlers, the residence is among the oldest homes in the region and is on the market for the first time in more than a decade.
Hassett, who commissioned the home, was instrumental in establishing Healdsburg's first flour and saw mills, as well as its initial local bank, contributing significantly to the area's economic growth. The only Healdsburg house older than Hassett's Ranch is the Hassett Cabin, built in 1853, also by Hassett. The Camellia Inn, formerly the Ransom Powell House, dates to 1869, with other homes in the community not appearing until the 1870s.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, situated on nearly half an acre, has been meticulously cared for by its current owners for over a decade. "The fact that this is dating back to 1868 and is in wonderful condition is a testament to how wonderful the homes were built back then, and how well the stewards have maintained this," said Rachel Hooper, a real estate agent with City Real Estate, who is co-listing the property with Drew Raher.
Previous owners converted the property from a duplex to a single-family home and added a pool, a putting green, and foundational work. The current owners have since implemented updates including new tankless water heaters and air conditioning, along with modernizing the bathrooms.
The property is attracting interest from potential buyers seeking weekend retreats or family gathering spaces, particularly from San Francisco. "We’re seeing a lot of interest from San Francisco buyers as second homes," Hooper noted. Some homeowners in more rural Healdsburg areas are also showing interest due to wildfire concerns.
Beyond the main house, a 1,000-square-foot detached carriage house offers additional potential. It features 15-foot ceilings with existing electricity and water service, and an additional 900 square feet of attic space that could be converted into living quarters. "We’ve done some preliminary renderings to give people inspiration," Hooper said, noting that converting garage space into accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is a common practice in the Bay Area.
While the home is located within a historic district, it is not a designated historic landmark, offering buyers more flexibility for renovations. Potential buyers have expressed interest in expanding the rear of the house. The property's grounds are landscaped with mature trees, including dogwood, cedar, maple, palm, and citrus, alongside established flower gardens, creating a private oasis moments from Healdsburg's town plaza and amenities.