Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 12, 2011

15

HOMES AND PROPERTY

 Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 12, 2011 

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes and gardens and the people whoe create them Story By Chris Bertrand 


Stunning Cape Cod Estate Perched Atop Raymond Hill 

 Enjoy a pleasant drive winding up up 
and up above Cal State Fullerton to a 
private gated compound of three estate 
homes on Raymond Hill. As the gate 
slowly opens, you’ll crest the ridge and 
slowly turn a corner to reveal this hidden 
jewel with miles of views. 

 Built in 2004, this 5697 square foot, 
Cape Cod estate combines crisp white 
detailing with the warm toasty hues of 
the traditional cedar shingled exterior of the Cape Cod style. 
The three car garage is tucked at the back of the driveway, thus 
preserving the architectural lines of the home. 

A covered porch opens to an elegant, double door, two story 
foyer. Walnut finish, hardwood flooring creates a perfect 
complement for the intricate detailing of the crisp white painted 
millwork and triple crown molding. A gorgeous staircase 
ascends to the second floor, which features a gallery overlook 
from above.

 The eye is drawn from the foyer through to the formal living 
room’s far wall, with graceful French doors flanked by heavy 
lined, full length silk draperies puddled softly at the floor. A 
large fireplace is the focal point of another wall, and a separate 
set of double French doors open from the living room into the 
sumptuous office, for added natural light and to extend the 
entertainment traffic flow for large events.

The office offers its own fireplace, a wall of cherry finished 
bookcases, and a wall dedicated to a work station surrounded 
by custom built-ins for display and storage. The adjacent dining 
room is ample to seat a dinner party of ten or twelve, and also 
includes its own fireplace, as well. A step down, brick wine cave, 
located in the dining room, can be secured by its wrought iron 
door.

 The kitchen, casual dining room and family room all 
enjoy beautiful views of the valley below, including 
fireworks from Disneyland! Decorated once again 
in crisp white, the three rooms are all open to one 
another for comfortable casual living. Glass doors 
from the family room, kitchen and casual dining 
room open directly to the generous front yard, for 
entertaining and relaxation. Perfect for the indoor 
to outdoor Southern California lifestyle!

 In a private wing next to the garage entry on the 
main level, a bedroom suite with a private bath 
and its own exterior entrance. This arrangement is 
perfect for live in staff, guests or extended family.

Four additional bedrooms suites plus a huge bonus 
or game room, with wet bar, are located on the 
second floor. The master suite includes a rotunda 
entrance, and opens to some of the best views in the 
home. French doors open here to a generous, private 
balcony, not only enjoying the views, but the lush 
additional landscaped area across the drive. 

 The master bath is a study in white marble. Two separated sink areas allow for each person to spread out without infringing on the other. A huge, oversized walk-in shower includes a plate 
glass surround. Dual walk in closets also include built ins. 

1803 Vista Lomitas Drive, Fullerton, was just listed for $2,650,000. The home’s .53 acre location is prime; very close to Coyote Hills Golf Club, about a mile above Cal State Fullerton. Contact the 
listing agent, Mary Norah, of Dilbeck Realtors in Arcadia, at 626 688-1727. More information about the home is available at www.Dilbeck.com 


PROTECT YOUR 
HOME AND YOUR 
WALLET

If you own or plan to purchase a home, then you know that insurance is not just a luxury, 
it’s a requirement. While you should not skimp on certain coverage items, there are some 
steps you can take to reduce your overall premium.

If you have a security system installed (and operating!), you might lower your premium by 
5% or more. You’ll just need to provide your insurer with a copy of your contract or latest 
statement. Also, while newer homes have smoke alarms already installed, hooking them up 
in an older home might also reduce your premium by as much as 10%.

Just like health or auto insurance, if you increase your deductible on homeowners insurance, 
you’ll reduce your premium. Just be sure you’re prepared to pocket smaller repairs like 
broken windows or damages from leaks.

If your policy is held by a company that also offers auto or health insurance, look into 
discounts for multiple policies. You could save a percentage on both your homeowners and 
auto policies, for example.

Another money (and time and stress) saver is to document everything in your home with a 
photographic inventory. Store photos, cds or videos in a fireproof box or, preferably, a safe 
deposit box off site, better yet, look into online back-up services. This will reduce the time 
and effort required to complete a claim, and guarantee an accurate replacement payment.

Luther Tsinoglou has just been named the top producing sales agent in Dickson Podley Realtor’s Sierra Madre 
office for 2009, making the top 10% at the company overall. Luther has been licensed and practicing real estate 
since 1992. He specializes in residential and income property in Southern California. Luther can be reached at 
his direct line (626) 695-8650 or at luther@tsinoglou.com.


CAMELLIA SOCIETIES HOST SHOWS AT DESCANSO GARDENS 
Enjoy the flowers, get expert advice on plant care

 

Got a camellia you can’t identify? Think you have a prize-winning 
bloom? Want some expert advice on growing beautiful 
flowers? Then come to a camellia show at Descanso Gardens.

Camellia shows are great places to meet enthusiastic plant 
fans and to get real-world advice for making your own garden 
shine. Local camellia societies have two shows planned in 
coming weeks at Descanso Gardens. The public is invited to 
submit flowers for judging during the bloom placement portion 
of the shows. Entrance to camellia shows is free with Gardens 
admission.

The Southern California Camellia Council Show will be held 
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27. The council is made up of 
representatives of all the camellia societies in Southern California. 
Blooms placement is 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by judging. The show is open to the 
public from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Pacific Camellia Society Late Bloomers Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13. 
Bloom placement is 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by judging. The show is open to the public 
from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Find details at www.pacificcamellias.org 

About Descanso Gardens: Established as a public garden in 1954, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso 
Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with I.D.; 
$3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 4 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include 
Gardens admission. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is 
accredited by the American Association of Museums.