House Tour – Betty Crocker Estate
By Jane T ~ December 13th, 2009. Filed under: House Tours, Video Blogs.
A carved iron-gated driveway leads to the Betty Crocker Estate
The Betty Crocker Estate is for sale. Yes, that Betty Crocker. But how could that be? We all thought she was a fictional person.
The Victorian Gothic Revival brick home is listed for $1,295,000. It sits on 8 acres and features olive trees, ancient oaks and a running stream.
Her name was invented in 1921 by combining the warm and friendly sounding “Betty” with the surname of retired Washburn Crosby Co. (now General Mills) executive William “Crocker”. Her trademark signature came from a company secretary who won a contest between female employees.
“The Betty Crocker School of Air” Radio Show.
The Betty Crocker persona was created as a way to personalize responses to the thousands of baking questions the company received each year. In 1924 The Betty Crocker School of Air, the nation’s first cooking show hit the airwaves and her voice was heard. The show featured 13 different “Betty” actresses working from radio stations across the country and ran for 24 years.
Agnes White as radio personality Betty Crocker.
Agnes White was one of the actresses who portrayed Betty Crocker. In 1941 she and her husband moved into the San Diego home originally built in 1883. She lived there until her death in 1979 at age 84.
The kitchen was remodeled in 2000 and features handmade copper counters.
View of the Solarium.
The 3 bedroom 3 bath home retains its original cedar wood floors, intricate moldings, waved glass, carved balusters, fireplaces and original mantels. In addition to the 3,200 sq. ft. living space there is a massive stone-walled barn with 20 foot rafters.
Tiered steps surround the pool.
I hope you enjoyed this tour but before you go, watch this short video to see and hear Agnes as Betty Crocker!
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Radio Show stills and YouTube video via Rand Video Productions
Photos via Willis Allen Real Estate
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December 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Oh so interesting!
December 13th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I just loved this post and seeing the house! The video reminded me of the home ec films we saw when I was in jr. high–the were ancient even then. Thanks for so much interesting information!
December 13th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Now that house looks lived in rather than staged. Yahoo.
December 14th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Great house tour. Looks move in ready, warm and cozy. Thanks so much for sharing and for visiting.
Sandy
December 14th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I hadn’t heard about this. Love it!
December 14th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Great story! Love the kitchen, it seems to fit the style of the home.
December 14th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I love the kitchen – too beautiful! And the pool is amazing too.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
How neat! I love the remodeled kitchen and I’ll bet “Betty” would have too. Those copper countertops look great… I wonder how much upkeep they’d require. When we remodeled our kitchen, we considered butcherblock or wood countertops, but we ended up with Corian and I’m very pleased with the ease of care.
December 14th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
What a charming house!! Such a great story too!
December 14th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I love that home….let me get my checkbook….
Kammy
December 15th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
How charming! Thanks for sharing! I love looking at houses especially those with a unique history. Happy Holidays! ~Lisa
December 15th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Very interesting! Jane. I guess I always thought BC was a real person. But only a great marketing plan. So, this house is considered the BC estate because one of the Betty’s lived there? If so, then there would be maybe 13 of these around the country
Maybe it was a test kitchen? Haha, Quiz Day! sister.
Can’t listen to the video just yet, as my speakers are disconnected. Will be interesting to hear her voice!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Wow, what a beautiful home, and what a shame that so very few of today’s celebrities share Mrs. White’s humbleness.