Orinda's "Old Yellow House" Getting a Green Makeover

With its namesake yellow paint long faded to pink and the property line uncomfortably close to the bustle of traffic zipping along Moraga Way, Orinda's landmark boasts a facade only people who love old homes could love.

Luckily, the landmark property was discovered by someone just like that, a new owner who appreciates its idiosyncracies as well as its attributes.

Architect James P. Wright is currently overhauling the historic Orinda home. He's building on the property's hand-dug well and Victorian-era rainwater catchment system to make it even more deeply green and suitable for modern living. He plans to live in the structure when he's done.

In its day, the 1,280-square-foot charmer at 209 Moraga Way boasted six bedrooms one bath, kitchen and a parlor. The home across the way served as Orinda's first schoolhouse.