The Old Marks Estate: A Nuuanu Estate with Early 19th Century Charm

One of the many things that I love about living in Hawaii is our ability to fill our day with wonderful activities that are both internally and externally rewarding.

After touring one of Oahu’s historically frozen-in-time estates of Hawaii’s yesteryear (MLS# 1112962), I watched my son frolic happily in the sun bathed pool heated with the sun’s bright light. How lucky we are.

Interestingly enough, it appears to have been vacant for awhile and would make an exquisite opportunity for someone ready to restore this estate to its glory days. The charm and elegance used in its creation is still alive and well in its stately rooms, thick draping curtains, and stone walkways.

Outdoor patio (left) and courtyard (right)

About This Estate

It is known on the streets as the Old Marks Estate, built originally for Clarence Hyde Cooke who was President and then Chairman of the Board of Bank of Hawaii. He held many Board positions in various Hawaiian organizations as well as being elected to both the House of Representative and the Legislature in Hawaii. He built this wonderful place for his family – he, his wife and 8 children. Although his wife passed away shortly after its completion, Clarence remained until his death in 1944.

Kitchen (left) and foyer (right)

Cooke left the estate to the Academy of Arts, which then sold the property to Elizabeth and Lester Marks in 1946. However, when the Pali highway was approved to be built, it meant that the highway would go right through the Marks’ property. Although they sued to stop it, the Territory finally bought the estate in 1956 for $624,000.

Family room (left) and den (right)

The Marks were allowed to remain until Mrs. Marks was evicted in 1976. She moved to a lovely estate in Kahala. The home seems frozen in time with many pieces of furniture and artworks plucked from the early 19th century.

If you would like more information on this lovely estate, or any other Oahu property, let me know:

Kelly A. Lee, (R) e-PRO, CHMS
Realtor-Broker
Hawaii Life Real Estate
kelly.lee@hawaiilife.com
Phone: 808.225.0349
Fax: 808.441.9961
www.hawaiilife.com