Built near the Phoenix Art Museum almost 100 years ago, The Coronado House is a downtown show-stopper, boasting ten bedrooms, five bathrooms and an expansive porch overlooking a large grassy front lawn. The nearly 5,000-square-foot, historic estate was built by real estate developer William G. Hart for him and his family. It has also housed a doctor and several businessmen over the decades.
Historian John Jacquemart lives across the street from The Coronado House. He says longtime merchant Charles Donofrio bought the lot back in 1927 in the Los Olivos neighborhood. The house was built there the following year as part of a development that began originally in 1906 with five- to 10-acre lots.
The Coronado House has long been a popular spot for large events. In June 1929, hundreds of people made reservations for a picnic dinner hosted by Donofrio in the estate’s courtyard, with strings of colored lights, a stage and a lily pod in the center of the event.
A classic Craftsman-style home, The Coronado House is carrying on the tradition, now available to rent for private events and celebrations. The spacious interior has many original features – from high ceilings and hardwood floors to built-in bookcases and a fireplace in the living room – that were recently updated. A fully renovated kitchen is useful for catering, while the front and back yards are ideal settings for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or retirement celebrations. The interior sets the stage for holiday events and themed costume parties.
The Coronado House can accommodate up to 150 guests for weddings and up to 250 for receptions. Intimate dinner parties can be as small as 12 guests in the private dining room, up to 250 people on the front lawn or 150 in the backyard.
Party planning is handled by husband-and-wife team Eric and Darcy Carter who have held and catered numerous events at The Coronado House. Outside bartenders, chefs or catering companies can also be arranged.
To schedule a tour, email info@coronadohouseaz.com.
This story appeared in the AZ Foothills Home & Design, Best Places to Live issue. Read the full issue here.
