In April of 1938 Robert Newhouse filed for a building permit to construct a dwelling at 1111 Harrison Boulevard for $9,300. Though unconfirmed, it?s likely that the striking Tudor Revival home was designed by architect Jedd Jones, an architect who socialized with the Newhouses. Jones went on to join the Hummel firm after World War II and was responsible for much of that firm?s residential work. His design for this site is quintessentially Tudor Revival, an architectural style noted for its picturesque application of design elements borrowed from medieval English houses. This example is characterized by asymmetrical massing dominated by a steeply-pitched gabled projection finished in buff brick that is flanked by gabled and shed-roofed dormers treated with faux half-timbering. Ornamental half-timbering is more prevalent on the side and rear elevations while leaded glass windows with a diamond pattern and a soaring double chimney complete the Tudor Revival elements of the fa?ade. In 1979 the front-facing attached garage right of the entry was enclosed and remodeled for additional living space.
In July of 1938 the Idaho Statesman reported that the Newhouse family would move into their completed home in September and in November complimented it as ?one of the city?s most charming houses.? The reporter went on to note that many of the primary rooms in the house were painted in complimentarily varied shades of blue which were adeptly suited to the owner?s collection of antiques.
Robert Newhouse was born in Boise in 1911, the son of banker and investor C.D. Newhouse. Having graduated from Kuna High School, Robert attended the University of Idaho where he was elected student body president and met his wife, Margaret Good. Margaret was a native of southern California with deep Idaho roots. Upon their graduation and return to Kuna, Robert worked in his father?s bank before moving his young family to the house at 1111 Harrison. Newhouse owned several gas stations as a franchisee of the Richfield Oil Company. Later careers on the Boise Bench in real estate development and dairying followed. Margaret was active in Boise society with membership in the Junior League and Hillcrest Country Club. Margaret and Robert died in Boise in 1998 and 2002 respectively.
This home was featured on the 12th Annual Heritage Homes Tour in 2014 thanks to the generosity of the current homeowners Dr. Tyler and Heidi Burpee.