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In 1887, architect Comstock & Trought designed, and builders Chini and Leonard constructed, what would become Shepard’s legendary residence—Villa Montezuma. Costing approximately $19,000—a fortune at the time—the mansion was styled after Queen Anne architecture, richly decorated with bizarre sculptures, turrets, and gargoyle-like creatures that evoked fairy-tale castles. The home’s interior was equally extravagant, with polished oak and mahogany walls, ornate ceilings, and artistic touches everywhere.