Heritage Homes

When James Blaisdell founded the Claremont Colleges and became the first president of what is now CGU, Claremont itself was still in its earliest stages of development. The Claremont Village and surrounding homes are at the heart of Claremont’s diverse architectural legacy, one that makes this community and our campus so unique.

Located just to the north and east of the village, Blaisdell’s historic home precedes his arrival in Claremont. Built in 1908 in the Craftsman style, this two-story home features a cross-gable roof of composite shingle, an eave overhang with exposed rafters, cornice, and lookout beams. It sits in the heart of campus, on the north side of 10th Street, between College and Dartmouth Avenues.

Trained as a theologian before moving West, the founder of CGU lived here with his wife and four children. Grandchildren have stopped by to share memories of visits to the home. Blaisdell left this house to the university to fund an institute in comparative culture and religion. Today it is home to faculty offices from the School of Arts and Humanities and is a frequent gathering place for SAH students for collaborative meetings, research presentations, and advising sessions.

This is one of the understated crown jewels of CGU’s campus and should be eternally preserved. Thank you for helping us celebrate our centennial, preserve the legacy of our founder and our city, and provide memorable opportunities for future scholars.

Prominently displayed at one of the western entrances to the Claremont Colleges, just a short walk from the charming Claremont Village, 121 East 10th Street represents a rare opportunity to support a critical part of Southern California’s educational heritage.

Built in 1991 to serve as an administrative building and faculty offices for the School of Arts and Humanities, this two-story Craftsman style home has been seamlessly integrated into CGU’s campus alongside the gorgeous early 20th century homes in the surrounding neighborhood off College Avenue.

Timeless beauty and charm radiate throughout the 2,174 square feet that constitute our Office of Admissions and Visitor Information Center. The design emphasizes symmetry, especially around the windows and central door, giving it a balanced look. Featuring a low-pitched gable roof with a prominent gable, in a nod to the historical design styles popular in many of the earliest homes in Claremont, this home also possesses wide eaves with visible rafters under the roofline to add to the handcrafted look. A neutral gray exterior with contrasting red trim around the windows and door creates a vibrant but balanced appearance. The multi-pane windows bring natural light into the home and add to the cozy, inviting feel you notice as soon as you walk in the front door.

Although modest in size, the front porch creates a welcoming entryway by using short steps leading up to the porch with low, stone side walls that enhance the grounded, inviting look. The stone and concrete steps add a sturdy, earthy element that complements the natural surroundings of mature trees with a landscaped front yard to enhance the overall aesthetic blend with nature.

CGU continues to serve as a cornerstone for scholarship and intellectual exploration. Sitting on a property that is maintained with meticulous care, the Admissions House helps us do that by offering a caring place for prospective students and guests to gather when they arrive in Claremont. Reflecting the architectural traditions that helped shape Claremont’s character, this building allows us to remain home to a thriving community of artists, thinkers, and innovators. Your support allows you to become a steward of history, a visionary philanthropist ready to celebrate CGU’s past and provide for its future.

Welcome to this rare and storied cottage in the heart of the Claremont Colleges. Built in 1920, this 4,666-square-foot Claremont Cottage exemplifies the character, charm, and history of the Arts and Crafts movement, while proudly standing as a center of teaching and learning for CGU’s School of Arts and Humanities. Nestled in tree-lined neighborhood, and across the street from the Claremont Colleges’ esteemed library, this impressive home offers an exceptional opportunity to be a part of Claremont and CGU for perpetuity.

The spacious floor plan is perfectly suited to continue its legacy as an educational space that honors antiquities and humanities. Its historic layout lends an open and adaptable structure with large rooms ideal for classrooms, meeting areas, or collaborative workspaces. This cottage’s historic charm is rich. As a quintessential Claremont Cottage, this building is adorned with timeless Craftsman architectural details, including high ceilings, large wooden windows, and intricate woodwork. The exterior and interior reflect the high craftsmanship of the era, offering a charming yet professional ambiance. The property’s role in advancing education, particularly in the arts and humanities, remains deeply embedded within its walls and offers any prospective owner a unique legacy to build upon.

The property benefits from its proximity to other renowned educational institutions and cultural landmarks within the Claremont Colleges, while still providing a peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere for focused work or study. Its central location provides convenient access to local amenities, including shops, cafes, and parks. Its historical architecture combined with versatile spaces offers a canvas for innovation, whether for continuing education, boutique offices, or cultural endeavors.

The property’s century-long connection to the study of antiquities, arts, and humanities imbues it with unique historical significance, particularly for those looking to maintain or expand educational programming. This property offers not just a prime location and functional space but a rich, stories heritage that aligns with the traditions of Claremont.
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate CGU’s centennial. Leave your legacy on this magnificent house, a true Claremont treasure!