The Rengstorff House

The Rengstorff House is off US 101 (N. Shoreline Blvd. exit) within Shoreline at Mountain View, at 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd. German immigrant Henry Rengstorff, who came to California in 1850 to seek his fortune, arrived too late to take advantage of the gold rush; instead, he accumulated acreage in the Santa Clara Valley and built this 12-room, two-story Victorian Italianate home in 1867. It has four fireplaces, a large dining room, a staircase with a handcrafted newel post, and parlors decorated with period wallpaper. Docents conduct guided tours.

Time: Allow 30 minutes minimum.