Welcoming guests since 1905, the Victorian landmark on North Shaffer features a wraparound porch framed by 13 columns. The home unveils the perfect blend of history, hospitality and character.
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The corner of 192 North Shaffer St. in Old Towne Orange feels like a postcard from another era. Framed by a quintessential picket fence, the stately Victorian residence welcomes visitors to its wraparound porch, the home’s exterior graced by original leaded-glass windows, redwood beveled siding and double-gabled roof. Owned by the Ricci family since 2001, it’s a place where history, family and community intersect.
The family has long been woven into the fabric of Old Towne Orange. Al and Mary Ricci, who built their real estate business here more than three decades ago, raised their three sons—AJ (31), Michael (26) and Chris (23)—in Orange. All three sons currently live in the four-bedroom, three-story Victorian, along with AJ’s girlfriend, Sophia.
“We were raised in this house in the early 2000s,” says AJ. “Then our family moved to Mabury Ranch in East Orange. In those years, we rented the Shaffer house off and on, and then my brothers and I moved back in around 2021. The house on its own is amazing, but it’s the neighbors who make it special to live here. To us, it’s every-one’s house. It’s warm and inviting and has always been that way.”
Historically known as the Buchanan House, the landmark home was built in 1905 for George W. Buchanan, one of the city’s early pioneers and a contemporary of the Glassells. At the time, the estate sat on a two-acre lot as part of the Richland Farm Lot, which would later be subdivided into the Library Tract.
The inviting entry is highlighted by the original vertical-grain Douglas fir staircase adorned with stately newel columns, and illuminated by a slag leaded-glass accent window characteristic of the era’s artistry and detail.
Classic lath-and-plaster walls, a picture rail and original woodwork grace the living area, where restored double-hung windows and five-panel doors preserve the historic elegance.
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Inside, the home is rich with original detail. Made of Douglas Fir vertical-grain wood, the original staircase takes center stage, along with five-panel original wooden doors, double-hung windows, leaded glass, and beautiful wood trim with Victorian fretwork. Two of the bedrooms have bay-window seating.
The exterior still features the original “widow’s walk” balcony on the second level on the west side, as well as beveled redwood siding. One of the home’s most distinctive features is the wrap-around porch with restored wood support columns. “It’s more than a porch,” AJ says. “It’s an open invitation for talking to neighbors and friends.”
Where updates were needed, the family sourced antique brass fixtures from Muff’s Antiques in Old Towne, such as window pulls and cabinet turn latches. In keeping with the era, they also replaced flat-pane glass with traditional restoration wavy glass panes. The kitchen, remodeled bit by bit, showcases a farmhouse sink, granite counters and custom cabinetry.
Because the property evokes an early-1900s Midwestern vibe, the home has been a favored film location through the years. In 2000, the major motion picture “Big Momma’s House,” starring Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Paul Giamatti and Terrance Howard, was filmed there.
“At least once a year, we receive inquiries from filmmakers who want to use the porch or the barn as a backdrop for their projects,” says AJ. “Sometimes students from Chapman Film School will come out, or filmmakers from independent studios or larger productions. Recently, the carmaker Rivian borrowed the garage for filming.”
The Ricci brothers returned to the 1905 Victorian with a shared vision for stewarding the home’s long legacy as a community gathering place.
Restored wavy-glass windows showcase views of North Shaffer St., illuminating the dining space with vintage character.
Bright and welcoming, the kitchen features a farmhouse aesthetic that includes cabinets extending to the ceiling, and porcelain wood-look flooring.
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Behind the home, the historic 1,000-square-foot barn is one of the property’s most enchanting features. In addition to the original second-story hayloft, the barn still bears traces of the old carriage room, revealing original metal horse ties, plus a hoofprint set forever in the original concrete. Six backyard chickens complete the picture—their eggs shared with neighbors who stop by for a chat on the porch.
“The barn is the most original part of the property and our favorite space to hang out,” says AJ. “We added Edison-like amber glass bulbs for an old-time glow inside.”
AJ also outfitted the barn’s carriage room with a radio station where he pursues his amateur radio hobby, checking into weekly “nets” (meetings) held throughout Orange County.
In 1914, a backyard wedding took place between members of two of Orange’s founding families, the Buchanans and the Pixleys. In 1921, the Pixley family acquired the home, and soon thereafter, prominent business leader D.C. Pixley lived there with his wife, Florence, until their passings. The estate was then sold in 1939 to the Presbyterian Church, becoming the residence of Reverend Robert McAulay. Decades later, in 1961, the church sold the property, and a series of owners occupied the home.
The home is affectionately known as “Big Momma’s House” after its starring role in the 2001 film of the same name.
Enjoying a good meal and conversation in the home’s picturesque backyard are (from left) Paula Soest, Larry Tannas, Sophia Axiotis, Chris Ricci, AJ Ricci, Michael Ricci, Sandy Quinn, Marva Hitchcock and Ruth Gordon.
“Rose” and “Lavender—two hens of the Ricci homestead.
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From Florence Pixley’s women’s club socials in the early 1900s to congregational gatherings with the resident pastors in later years, the residence boasts a long legacy as a community gathering place.
Today that tradition continues, as AJ, Michael and Chris regularly open the home for neighborhood get-togethers, nonprofit mixers, political events, club meetups, film locations and holiday parties.
All three Ricci brothers are licensed real estate agents who are also forging their own paths while staying grounded in the family business. Michael did his undergraduate work in political science and is now studying law, while Chris is pursuing a degree in physics after attending Santiago Canyon College. AJ, who earned his undergraduate degree in political science at Chapman University, is now pursuing his master’s degree in real estate at Chapman. Next year, he will be running for City Council District 1.
The brothers remain closely tied to Ricci Realty and to the Victorian home that represents their shared beginning, which also happens to be just a few blocks from the office located on East Chapman Ave.
Beneath the beams of the original hayloft, the historic barn is a favorite gathering place where history, friendship and good company come together.
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“All three of us are involved in the agency in some way to keep it a family-run business,” he says. “We also have the freedom to pursue other opportunities. We can help shape the future of the city and preserve the past. We want what’s best for the city because we grew up here and we live here.”
With their grandparents living just six doors down from them on East Maple, the entire family will converge at 192 North Shaffer this Christmas—with homemade holiday dinner cooked by their mom. Every holiday season, the brothers go all out with festive displays, including larger-than-life decorations for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, they plan to place a Christmas tree in the front window and one on the porch, as well as string white lights across the double gable roof.
The three brothers enjoy how visitors react when they see the home’s beauty and preservation. They strive to keep the property a combination of functional yet appropriate to the era.
“Most people don’t expect people in their 20s and 30s would like living and take pride in an ‘old-fashioned’ house,” says AJ. “It’s very nice and a blessing to live here. We are young people who want to keep the same charm in Old Towne that everybody loves, while looking toward glimpses of the future for what the next generation wants for the community. It all starts from inside the house outwards.”
