It took more than two years to build Wolf House.
By August 1913, London had spent approximately $80,000 (pre World War I dollars).
At the height of construction, some 30 workers were employed on the house.
Just days before Jack and Charmian were ready to move into their new home,
a fire of unknown origin gutted the house, leaving only the rock walls and chimneys.

"Why don't you cry, or get excited, or something, you two?" asked a neighbor.
"You don't seem to realize what's happened to you!"

"What's the use?" Jack repeated his thought.
"It won't rebuild the house. ... Though it can be rebuilt!" he swore cheerfully, purpose in his eye.

Yes, Jack laughed and bouyed up the spirits of the Ranch while his dream castle ascended in lurid smoke that hot August night.
But when at four in the dawn, the tension relaxed, and uppermost in his mind loomed the wicked,
cruel, senseless destruction of the only home he had ever made for himself,
he lay in my pitying arms and shook like a child. After a few moments he stilled, and said:

"It isn't the money loss ... though that is grave enough just at this time.
The main hurt comes from the wanton despoiling of so much beauty."

Source: London, Charmian The Book of Jack London (Century 1921)

It was suggested that the varnish rags left piled up in the house spontaneously combusted and it all burnt down very quickly.
He never rebuilt it and died within three years...

This image was to tell part of the story of that catastrophe.

More info on the house: http://www.jacklondons.net/house.html

The tonal range is off the scale with this one,
so this is 2 different shots recombined to optimize the highlights and the shadows.