Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 21, 2011

15

HOMES AND PROPERTY

Mountain Views-News Saturday, May 21, 2011 

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes and gardens and the people whoe create them. Story By Chris Bertrand Photos by John Muir

Sprawling Traditional Ranch Home in Santa Anita Oaks


Set in the upscale Santa 
Anita Oaks neighborhood 
of north Arcadia, this 
pristine, expansive home 
with a detached guest or 
pool house just came on the 
market. 

Traditional charm flows 
from the first view from the 
curb, where a wide brick 
walkway curves through 
the lush lawn up to the 
front door. The double door entry opens to a 
soothing, sophisticated color palette of soft greens 
throughout the four bedroom, four bath main 
home. The extensive use of hardwood flooring 
provides a unifying design element throughout.

Extensively updated, the single level home offers 
privacy and easy separation of activities. The two 
main living spaces include spacious formal and 
casual living spaces, both featuring fireplaces, and 
both opening to a 442 square foot, screened lanai. 
The tiled and roofed lanai can hold large events or 
be the perfect venue for just two to “chill” with a 
cool beverage after a long day at work. 

A separate bedroom wing with three bedrooms 
and two baths, is located off the foyer. The beautiful 
master suite, featuring three closets, a wall of built-
ins and lovely views of the yard and pool, is located 
at the end of the hall for additional privacy.

The fourth bedroom is located at the back of the 
home, separated from the rest of the traffic flow of 
the floorplan. Perfect for au pair, in-law or home 
office use, it offers an outside entrance close to the 
garage. Adjacent to the garage, the 200 square foot, 
pool or guest house, with ••• bath, provides space 
for guests or pool parties. 

Those guests will be first to enjoy the heady 
perfumes of the gorgeous rose garden set behind 
the pool. So often these days, rose gardens are 
all show, no fragrance, so this one is a particular 
delight. Past the pool house, don’t miss the 
hexagonal potting and the nearly hidden, children’s 
play structure and yard, ready for the children or 
grandchildren.

The stunning kitchen and casual dining area is 
destined to be the hub of the home, with a generous 
preparation area including a Wolf gas stove and 
exhaust to delight the connoisseur in the family. 
The soft green color palette is continued into this 
cheerful and bright area, including the fabulous 
green stone counters, complemented by the two 
tone cabinetry. An enormous wall for display and 
storage runs the length of the casual dining room, 
providing more storage than nearly anyone could 
need.

If expanded kitchen prep is needed, a service 
room with a second sink is located just beyond the 
kitchen, with the laundry room and the separate, 
fourth bedroom suite facing the back yard beyond 
that. 

549 Gloria Road, Arcadia, is served by highly 
rated, Arcadia schools. The 3100 square foot home 
was just listed at $1,768,000. For more information, 
contact Fred Ashkar, Associate Broker of Re Max 
Premier Properties, Arcadia, at 818-681-4975 or 
visit his website at www.FredAshkar.com. Ashkar 
will be holding the home open from 1-5 on Sunday. 


CENTURY 21 VILLAGE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN SIERRA MADRE

Andy Bencosme, Managing Broker of 
CENTURY 21 Village in Sierra Madre recently 
announced that this month marks the twenty 
fifth year that his office has been serving Sierra 
Madre and surrounding communities. Another 
CENTURY 21 company owned the business for 
the first six years and then it was purchased by 
Michael and Marge Ludecke in 1986.

The name changed to CENTURY 21 Village 
Realty and began its first business day with six 
agents in about 750 square feet. Over the years as 
the company prospered, more space was acquired 
in Renaissance Plaza and more agents were hired. 
Today C21 Village occupies over 2500 square feet 
and employs over thirty sales associates.

To celebrate the event, Bencosme hosted a Sierra 
Madre Chamber of Commerce mixer complete 
with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Many dignitaries 
from the County, State and City government 
as well as the Chamber Board of Directors and 
local business owners were in attendance. Village 
provided all the beverages, and the delicious food 
was provided by Café 322 located here in Sierra 
Madre.

Bencosme is very proud of the Sierra Madre 
company and that the office has received many 
prestigious awards for quality service and has 
been voted “Best of the Best” real estate office 
several years by readers of the local newspaper. 
He said that he is looking forward to serving the 
community for the next twenty-five years.

All of the friendly CENTURY 21 Village agents 
can be reached at 38 West Sierra Madre Blvd. or by 
telephone 626.355.1451 or on the internet at www.
c21village.com

Sierra Madre Mayor Pro Tem Josh Moran, Managing Broker Andy Bencosme and Owner Michael Ludecke 
do the ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the 25th Anniversary of CENTURY 21 Village Realty


REACHING THE 

FINISH LINE

My last column got you started on your purchase by determining how much you could afford, getting 
loan pre-approval, finding the right agent to tour suitable homes. Now what?

Get “comparables” from your representative for each appealing home, review property disclosures, 
and research liens and restrictions. If possible, ask the seller’s reason for listing.

Now you’re armed to make your offer, which should include contingencies regarding financing and 
inspections, as well as any special requests or repairs, and also a closing date and earnest money deposit. 
There may be some negotiation, but once both parties have agreed on the terms, you’ll sign the 
Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Now you’ll apply for financing, order an appraisal and inspections, and possibly renegotiate after 
those reports are complete. You’ll need to secure homeowners insurance and complete the loan process. 
You’ll want to have cash ready for your downpayment and closing costs, and do a final “walk 
through” just before closing.

You and your agent will be able to review all the settlement documents in advance of the closing date, 
to be sure everything is correct and to dot the “i”s and cross the “t”s. You’re finally ready to make an 
appointment with the closing attorney, get an Official Check from your bank for downpayment plus 
closing costs, and sign the papers giving you the coveted status of “homeowner!”

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If your business paid Federal Taxes last year, and you don’t have a Qualified Retirement 
Plan, you just gave money to Uncle Sam that you could have saved and invested for your 
retirement instead!
Whether your business is currently not taking advantage of one of the many Qualified 
Retirement Plans available today; OR: If you currently have a plan and would like a no-cost, 
unbiased review of your plan, I would be more than happy to review your situation and cater 
something to your specific situation.
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com