Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 18, 2012

12

HOMES & PROPERTY

 Mountain Views News Saturday August 18, 2012 

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes and gardens and the people who create them Story by Chris Bertrand. Photos courtesy of Pauli Morin 


HISTORIC 1910 CRAFTSMAN IN OLD MONROVIA

Many buyers searching for a historic or 
“character” home love the idea of living 
amidst history. On the “must have” list 
is often leaded glass cabinetry, original 
millwork and built-ins, French doors, 
vintage lighting… and that all American 
front porch. 

One can almost see the eyes mist over 
when buyers envision themselves sitting on the porch with 
a cool beverage in the shade of the front porch, waving to 
neighbors passing by. 

Sometimes, though, the mechanics of living a century-old 
lifestyle with vintage kitchen, baths and systems, become a bit 
more of a chore than a delight. 

The sellers of this charming Monrovia home have carefully 
preserved the best of the historic nature of the home, and then 
completely updated the kitchen, baths, laundry, electrical, roof, 
landscaping and much more to accommodate today’s 21st 
century needs. 

Listing agent, Pauli Morin, commented, “In the largest bath, for 
instance, the sellers brought in a claw foot tub, to tie in with the 
home’s vintage, then used a historic pattern of black and white 
ceramic tiles for the flooring, plus dramatic black slab counters.”

The result is both historically sensitive, as well as chic by today’s 
standards. The oversized, walk-in shower, though modern and 
delightful with its rainfall shower head, uses the minimalist plate 
glass surround to allow the historic style to shine and visually 
expand the room.

The kitchen was gutted, then totally remodeled with slab granite, stainless steel appliances and 
recessed lighting.

On the vintage side, the leaded glass cabinetry, original millwork and built-ins, the vintage 
lighting and the all American porch are all there, waiting to be loved by new owners. French 
doors open to the back patio and yard, so one can enjoy sun or shade in the front or back 
depending on preference or time of day. 

The front porch offers wide stairs to the dual front doors, flanked by arroyo stone pillars and 
foundation. A heritage wisteria vine shades the porch and provides a multitude of blossoms in 
the spring months.

This Monrovia home offers a healthy dose of the “story” in history as well as the vintage charm. 
The dual front doors begin the story of this home. Eugene P. Rawson, established the Fernleaf 
Grocery at 215 S. California, according to Tim Gregory, The Building Biographer. 

The undeveloped space adjacent to the home is the site of the Rawsons’ grocery store that once 
served this neighborhood. Mr. Rawson used what is now the dining room, to run his grocery 
business. His business associates would enter through one door, and family or friends would 
enter the rest of the home through the mirror image, adjacent door.

The undeveloped space where the grocery once stood could be the site of a wonderful home 
vegetable garden or children’s play yard. Morin recommends that those interested in a higher 
use of the land contact the city of Monrovia for further information. 

After you’ve had your lemonade on the vintage front porch, and reveled in the vintage character 
of the home, be sure to enjoy the goldfish pond and new landscaping in the back yard. And… 
there’s a two car garage to boot!

This home’s delightful back yard provides a peaceful oasis from busy SoCal life, but the vibrant 
Old Town Monrovia is just a few short blocks’ walk, when one is ready for the outside world again. The district is full of life, with the Krikorian Movie Theater, many highly rated bistros, 
and unique boutiques and services. 

225 S California Avenue in Monrovia offers three bedrooms, three baths and 1740 square feet of living space. The property is offered at $574,000 by Pauli Morin of Coldwell Banker. For more information or to 
view this home, contact the agent at 626-233-2047 or PMorin@ColdwellBanker.com.



ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

In spite of the real estate roller coaster of the last few years, homeownership remains the bedrock 
of financial and familial security. Having a long-term investment that provides the satisfaction 
and pride of ownership beats just about anything else you can do with your savings.

When the market exploded several years ago, the expectations of many consumers grew too high, 
too fast. Homes became more commodities than investments, and now markets and attitudes 
have been forced to realign.

Conditions today make it an opportune time to secure your future. Home prices and interest 
rates are still low, and tax advantages are abundant. You just have to get past all the negativity in 
the media. All the bad news has drained consumer confidence, and frankly, you cannot underestimate 
the effect of intangibles like confidence and expectation on the real estate industry.

Real estate transactions are unlike any other financial transaction. The demand and desire for 
homeownership doesn’t expire like other flashy investment instruments. The inherent value of 
a stock can be calculated by a formula of company profits, earnings ratios, performance history, 
fund managers, and so on.

However, a home’s value is ultimately determined by what a buyer is willing to pay for it, and the 
security and well-being that owning your own home provides. Honestly, there’s hardly been a 
better time to make your move.


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