The Uplands Mansion

The mansion itself is a architectural marvel, boasting a design that blends classical and Gothic elements. Polk, known for his Beaux-Arts style, created a luxurious residence featuring a grand dining room, a wood-paneled library, and even a “minstrels’ gallery”. Construction included imported Bavarian woodcarvers and took nearly five years to complete.

Uplands Mansion wasn’t just about extravagant interiors. The estate encompassed 160 acres and featured sprawling gardens designed by Polk himself. Though the original gardens are no longer, descriptions refer to a reflecting pool and terraces, creating a picturesque setting for the grand house.

The mansion’s glory days mirrored the roaring twenties. After its 1917 completion, it became a center for social gatherings – think lavish tea dances, fox hunting weekends, and elegant dinner parties. However, the opulent lifestyle came to an end in 1927 with the Crocker divorce. The property changed hands a few times before being acquired by Crystal Springs School in 1955. While the mansion’s use has transformed, it continues to serve as an impressive landmark in Hillsborough, California.