The Benjamin Ranch house is an excellent example of a modest, late 19th century rural Italianate residence in Sonoma County. It is typical in size, materials, craftsmanship and overall simplicity. It is unusual for its condition and integrity, particularly the integrity of its interiors.

The Italianate style was introduced to the Bay Area by east coast architect Horace Cleaveland, who designed the Bidwell Mansion in Chico and William Ralstan’s mansion in San Mateo County in what was then called English Roman style. The style was promoted for rural and ‘suburban’ houses as well through a number of important authors and through plan and pattern books.

“High Victorian Italianate” residences, representing the second phase in Italianate design, were a common building style for prosperous ranch houses in Sonoma County. An example is the nearby Thompson Ranch.

Source: permitsonoma.org.