Quick action saves M.F.K. Fisher’s former home

Few people have had as much impact on food writing as M.F.K. Fisher. Beginning with Serve it Forth, published in 1937, her career as a writer flourished. For the last 20 years of her life, Fisher resided in a home she designed and called “Last House”, built in Glen Ellen, California. 

The recent devastating wildfires in northern California threatened the historic structure, part of the Audobon Canyon Ranch historic site. But thanks to the quick action by the Ranch’s fire ecologist, Sasha Berleman, the house was saved. 

When one of the area’s many fires began Monday, Berleman, “grabbed her gear and headed straight for Bouverie,” said Wendy Coy, communications manager for the Audobon Canyon Ranch.  When Berleman arrived at the site, nearly all the buildings in the Bouverie Preserve, part of the Audobon Canyon Ranch, were on fire. Berleman organized a bucket brigade with the assistance of neighbors. They used water from the swimming pool next to David Pleydell-Bouverie’s house, located adjacent to Last House. Nearby staff offices and other structures burned to the ground, but the two homes were saved.

As part of an ongoing restoration project, many of Fisher’s personal possessions were recently returned to Last House. All items were all saved, including the writer’s signature rattan Peacock chair, dining-room table, pottery, books, and her well-used Coronamatic typewriter.