Classic Charm
Home on Sacred Heart tour preserves character with family updates
By Cecily Hastings
December 2025
When Kristen and Eric Bassett bought their East Sacramento home four years ago, they stepped into a piece of history. Built in the 1920s, the gracious two-story home radiates old city charm.
High ceilings, original light fixtures, rich wood floors and the unmistakable presence of generations resonate throughout.
But for a modern family of five, the house needed to meet the 21st century. With three boys—Ryan, a sophomore at University of Mississippi; Jace, a senior at Jesuit; and Luke, an eighth grader at St. Ignatius—the couple needed space, function and durability without sacrificing the home’s traditional soul.
They took on a renovation that stretched over a year and a half and transformed the almost 4,000-square-foot residence into a warm, livable home that balances vintage beauty with practical comfort.
Before settling in, the couple spent 13 years on 47th Street and another period in a duplex on 38th Street they remodeled into a single-family home. “It was a great project, but when COVID hit, it just didn’t fit our lifestyle anymore,” Kristen says. “We were ready for a house that felt more like a forever home.”
Kristen grew up in Solvang and Eric hails from Fair Oaks. They met through mutual friends at a wedding and soon planted roots in East Sac, drawn to the leafy streets, walkable charm and community spirit.
Their latest home immediately captured their hearts. “It just had this old-world character,” Kristen says. “Even though it needed work, we could see its bones—the craftsmanship, the ceilings, the stairwell, the beautiful old fixtures. It had soul.”
The renovation was sensitive and ambitious. The couple kept the layout, preserving the original floors, stairwell and much of the millwork. Original ceiling medallions and antique light fixtures were restored, anchoring the house to its 1920s roots.
They modernized the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen now centers around a custom island built by Kristen’s father—a piece that adds personal history. Designer Cheryl Holben (now retired) and contractor Ricky Stevens helped guide the remodel, choosing finishes that complemented the architecture while brightening and opening the space.
“Every decision was about balance,” Kristen says. “We wanted to keep the traditional feel but make it livable. I didn’t want it to look like a museum.”
The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home includes a mother-in-law suite attached to the garage. “That was an unexpected bonus,” Kristen says. “It gives us flexibility when family visits or when one of the boys comes home from college.”
The décor reflects Kristen’s appreciation for timeless design layered with fresh touches. Many pieces from their earlier homes made the move, but they reinterpreted them for the new space. “I didn’t want to start from scratch,” she says. “I wanted it to evolve naturally.”
A soft, neutral palette gives the house a serene backdrop, while hints of pattern—including star-studded ceiling trim in one hallway and star parquet patterns in the wood floors—nod to the playful side of family life.
Eric’s favorite area is the yard. Both front and back yards feature grass and shrubs with an eye toward drought tolerance.
With help from neighbors, they created a shared play area where their children and friends could gather. “It’s been great for the boys—and for us,” Kristen says. “It’s exactly the kind of community feel we hoped for.”
Looking back, Kristen says the renovation taught her patience and appreciation for craftsmanship. “There’s something really rewarding about restoring a home like this,” she says. “You realize how well things were made back then. It’s worth the effort to bring it back.”
The lengthy process included late nights of decision-making and material sourcing, but the result is deeply personal. “Every part of the house tells a story,” Kristen says. “It’s not about perfection. It’s about character.”
The Bassett’s home will be on the Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour Dec. 5–7. Tickets by Dec. 4 are $40 general, $35 seniors. Tickets after Dec. 4 are $45 general, $40 seniors. Purchase tickets online or at Sacred Heart School at 856 39th St. on event days. Visit sacredhearthometour.com.
To recommend a home or garden, contact cecily@insidepublications.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
