The House on the Move

Tucked among the changing skyline of Reno is a house that’s refused to stay in one place—literally. The Borland–Clifford House, a striking example of Carpenter Gothic architecture, has not only weathered the passing of centuries but has also done something most homes never dream of: it’s moved—not once, not twice, but multiple times.

Built in 1885, this ornate wooden beauty originally stood in the heart of Reno’s once-prosperous residential corridor. With its steep gables, pointed arch windows, and intricate gingerbread trim, the house looked like something lifted from a Victorian storybook. But as the city grew and modern developments edged closer, the Borland–Clifford House became a beloved relic in the way of progress.

Rather than demolish it, preservationists rolled up their sleeves—and the house rolled through town.

Its most dramatic move came in 2018, when it was carefully lifted and transported across downtown to make room for new development. Spectators lined the streets to watch this unlikely traveler, balanced on a flatbed truck, glide slowly through intersections and around traffic lights. It was a house on parade—a time capsule on the move.

But beyond the spectacle lies a lived-in legacy. The house is still privately occupied, lovingly maintained as a home, not a museum. Inside, it features three bedrooms, tall ceilings with exposed beams, and original wood flooring that creaks with stories of the past. The parlor still includes a working fireplace, surrounded by delicately carved wood trim and decorative plasterwork. Tall, narrow windows pour filtered light through hand-restored sashes, casting dappled shadows on the polished pine floors.

The kitchen, while thoughtfully updated, retains its historic footprint—charmingly compact but fully functional, with deep farmhouse sinks and vintage cabinetry repurposed for modern life. Upstairs, bedrooms tucked under steep eaves feel cozy and cocooned, while the master retains its bay window nook—a perfect perch to watch the seasons drift past this ever-rooted, ever-restless house.

For all its elegance, the Borland–Clifford House is more than just pretty gables and history books. It’s a symbol of adaptation, of preservation with purpose. It reminds us that homes are more than structures—they're living things. And sometimes, if they matter enough, they don’t just stand the test of time—they move with it.

Here in Reno, where old meets new on every block, the Borland–Clifford House rolls on—proof that even a house with roots can have wheels.