See the Estate That Drove Jack London to Write (16 photos)

Jack London became a seaman and traveler at the age of 15, according to Karen Buchanan, tour and education manager at Jack London State Historic Park. During his life, he spent much of his time traveling, both abroad and throughout the United States, which greatly influenced his most famous novels. But what London really wanted was a peaceful place to settle, somewhere to call home.

It wasn’t until his second wife, Charmian, introduced him to Glen Ellen, California, in 1905 that the author felt he had finally found that home. In 1906 he proudly purchased his first 130 acres of what he called “the most beautiful, primitive land to be found in California,” according to the park’s History of Jack London State Park. “All I wanted,” London said later in his life, “was a quiet place in the country to write and loaf.” But he did anything but loaf. The author eventually owned and managed a total of 1,400 acres, all while continuing his successful writing career.

During his years on what he called Beauty Ranch, he published such famous works as John Barleycorn and The Valley of the Moon. But he dedicated just as much time to cultivating his land, designing sustainable farming methods and building his new home.

When London purchased his first 130 acres, the land was far from fertile. Natural, sustainable ranch life seemed like a pipe dream. But London had a clear vision for the property: He intended to transform it into a thriving agricultural development for future generations to enjoy.

from Houzz http://ift.tt/1Oeu2c8

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