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An extraordinary opportunity awaits for you at 1190 Emory Street in San Jose, one that marries history, scale, and timeless elegance. This 6-bedroom, 3 full and 2 half-bath, 5,712 sq. ft. residence rests on 1.155 acres. Known as the Wilder-Hait Mansion, it is the largest private residential lot in San Jose’s prestigious Rose Garden neighborhood. This architectural masterpiece represents far more than a just a home, it is a chance to steward one of the city’s most treasured estates and to continue a story more than a century in the making.
Commissioned in the 1920s for Frank Wilder, co-founder of the influential Pratt-Low Cannery, and his wife Ethel, the estate was designed by the acclaimed firm Binder & Curtis. Their vision produced a striking interpretation of the Modern English Tudor Revival, a style that blends old-world craftsmanship with California’s natural warmth.
The residence makes a dramatic first impression with steeply pitched gables, an arched entryway, and decorative half-timbering. Step inside and the details deepen: sunlight streams through tall, multi-paned windows, warmly reflecting off original hardwood floors. Diamond-leaded casements, hand-forged hinges, ornate scuppers, and stone finials showcase artistry from another era, while the L-shaped floor plan, with a graceful single-story rear wing, balances grandeur with livability.
The grounds are equally enchanting, evoking the romance of a countryside manor while offering modern amenities. Expansive lawns and landscaped gardens are shaded by mature redwoods and dotted with tranquil spaces. A sparkling pool, classic cabana, and detached three-car garage extend the home’s possibilities. Whether for family living, philanthropic gatherings, or elegant garden parties the options are endless. The estate has long been a place of community and celebration, and it remains a rare canvas for creating unforgettable experiences.
Yet, the significance of the Wilder-Hait Mansion reaches beyond architecture. It is a living artifact of San Jose’s cultural and social history. After the Wilders, the home passed to James and Ruth Hait in 1945. Mr. Hait, a notable engineer and inventor in the field of ordnance materiel, carried the estate’s legacy of innovation. By the 1950s, the Levy family, proprietors of the beloved Stratford’s Clothing Store, became its stewards. Later, in the late 1960s, the property was entrusted to the YMCA, which used the mansion as its administrative offices for more than three decades, ensuring its walls remained a hub of community impact.
Now, this remarkable estate looks to the future. It calls for a new visionary; one who values heritage and understands the privilege of shaping the next chapter of this property’s story. With its unmatched scale, prime Rose Garden location, and rare architectural pedigree, the Wilder-Hait Mansion is not simply a home but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a landmark of enduring distinction.
For those who appreciate history, who dream in legacy, and who see beauty in both preservation and possibility, this is your moment. The Wilder-Hait Mansion awaits a new steward, ready to embrace its grandeur and build upon its extraordinary heritage.
Schedule a private appointment today to experience this estate firsthand.
Location: 1190 Emory St, San Jose, CA
Price: $4,799,000
Website: www.1190emory.com
Shown by appointment only
Listing Agent: Andy Sweat, DRE# 01974462; Top 1% Realtor Nationwide – Keller Williams Bay Area Estates. 408.802.3540; [email protected]