11931 Highway 9

Tucked among the redwoods and set back from the road, this remodeled mountain retreat offers privacy, charm, and a remarkable story. Originally built in 1905 by early Brookdale resident Virginia Garland Ballen, a naturalist, writer and contributor to the movement that helped preserve Big Basin Redwoods, this home was known as 'The Call of the Wild' where Virginia hosted gatherings of writers, artists and early conservationists inspired by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Today the home blends that historic character with modern comfort. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, wood floors and a stone hearth create a warm and inviting living space while the updated kitchen features stone countertops and modern appliances. Outdoor living is central to the property with multiple seating areas, a large entertaining deck, a hot tub beneath the redwoods and a detached studio ideal for an office, art space, or guest overflow. The fully fenced property offers parking for multiple vehicles and a seasonal babbling brook that adds to the peaceful setting. This move-in ready home offers a rare blend of history and comfort just a short drive to Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz, the beaches, and hiking in Big Basin and Henry Cowell. A unique opportunity to own a piece of history in a setting that continues to inspire.

Days on Market

0 days

Current Status

Active

Original Price

$699,000

List Price

$699,000

On Market Date

Apr 1, 2026

Property Type

Single Family Home

Area

35 - Brookdale

Zip Code

95006

MLS ID

ML82041091

APN

079-053-10-000

Year Built

1905

Stories in Building

1

Possession

Unavailable

Data Source

MLSL

Origin MLS System

MLSListings, Inc.

Bed

2

Bath

1

Shower over Tub - 1, Tub, Tub with Jets

Parking

0

Off-Street Parking

SQ FT

853

SQ FT Source

Unavailable

Lot SQ FT

10,759.0

Lot Acres

0.246993 Acres

Kitchen

Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven Range - Gas, Refrigerator

Cooling

None

Dining Room

Dining Area

Disclosures

Natural Hazard Disclosure

Family Room

No Family Room

Foundation

Concrete Perimeter

Fire Place

Free Standing, Gas Log, Living Room

Heating

Fireplace, Gas

Laundry

Washer / Dryer

Architectural Style

Cabin

Fee

Unavailable

MLS and other Information regarding properties for sale as shown in Theo have been obtained from various sources such as sellers, public records, agents and other third parties. This information may relate to the condition of the property, permitted or unpermitted uses, zoning, square footage, lot size/acreage or other matters affecting value or desirability. Unless otherwise indicated in writing, neither brokers, agents nor Theo have verified, or will verify, such information. If any such information is important to buyer in determining whether to buy, the price to pay or intended use of the property, buyer is urged to conduct their own investigation with qualified professionals, satisfy themselves with respect to that information, and to rely solely on the results of that investigation.

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