The Best House

Originally built in the late 1920’s for C.L. Best, the co-founder of Caterpillar Tractor Company, The Best House is a beautiful estate property nestled behind the 5.4-acre Gardens at Palmdale in the Mission District of Fremont, adjacent to the historic Starr House. Robson Homes purchased the home and surrounding property from the Sisters of the Holy Family for The Abbey development. Our team of architects, designers and craftsmen meticulously restored the home, painstakingly preserving the charm, character and historic integrity of the home while incorporating the best in new construction and modern living. The Norman Revival style home features a wood shingled roof that simulates a thatched roof, an asymmetrical front façade with cylindrical turret, multi-light casement windows with leaded glass, paneled plaster walls and ceilings, a raised parlor with large stained glass window depicting a parrot, and a glazed conservatory with painted wall murals of colorful birds flanking elaborate floral arrangements.

The private residence is a now a registered historic property under the Mills Act. Robson Homes was awarded a Judges Special Award for the historic restoration of this incredible mansion at the Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference 2021 Gold Nugget Awards.