In 2000, Dryden Wilson left his $1.8 million estate to Nevada and Placer Counties for the development of open space. The Nevada County Board of Supervisors gave its portion of the money to Nevada County Land Trust to develop the open space. Around the same time, developer Sandy Sanderson gave 14 acres of his North Star Mine property to the Land Trust for preservation. The site included a 10,000 square foot Julia Morgan-designed mansion that was about to succumb to the forces of age, neglect and nature.

The North Star House, built in 1905 is an early example of California vernacular Arts and Crafts design. It was the home of Arthur deWint Foote, superintendent of the North Star Mine and his wife, noted author and artist Mary Hallock Foote. In its heyday the house and grounds were renowned as a showplace of elegance and style, hosting investors, socialites, mining engineers and other dignified guests from around the world.

The first task for the Land Trust was to stabilize the structure. In addition, the house had been modified to serve as a private school for many years. These improvements had to be removed to begin the planning process for the formal historical renovation. And sadly, the house had been home to vagrants and vandals over the last few decades. Hundreds of volunteers have worked tirelessly and with great passion to bring the house to security and stability.

Now, the North Star House is ready for the next phase of historical renovation. The goal is to restore the home in stages, and to make it available to the community as a venue for civic and cultural events.

Nevada County Land Trust created a separate non-profit entity, the North Star Historic Conservancy to manage the rehabilitation and ongoing operations of House and project. Though still affiliated with the Land Trust but with its own 501(c) (3) designation and Board of Directors, the Conservancy operates as an independent organization.
More Information is available at www.NorthStarConservancy.org