Windy Open House

Wind, rain, snow, sleet, extreme heat … nothing prevents us from holding an open house!  Talk about dedication!  Today we will be at 4174 Ramona Drive in the historical Wood Streets neighborhood in Riverside, California. 

Two on a lot: this home (with guest apartment) was custom built in 1938 by current owner’s grandfather.  This property has been in the same family for 73 years!!  Click here to read more information about this great investment property with a positive cash flow.  Check out the photos too! 

Where:       4174 Ramona Drive, Riverside 92506
When:         12:00 to 4:00

Maybe you’ll brave the Southern California wind and come see us today.  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Bike Ride to Farmers’ Market

What better way to spend time with family on a Saturday morning than by biking to the local Farmers’ Market in downtown Riverside near the famous Mission Inn.  By riding our bikes, we don’t have to worry about where to park, we save money on gas, save wear and tear on our automobiles, spend quality time with family, and best of all we get some exercise! 

Local California family farmers growing food for families.  Californians supporting California.  Yep, that’s what it’s all about!

Didn’t buy too much today, but it was a heavy haul for my bike basket.  The melon, corn and potatoes are what weighed so much.  This week I bought purple (yes, purple) green beans, called nightshade (at least that’s what the farmer told me).  He said they’re sweeter than green beans.  And if you’re wondering why I bought only one tomato, it’s because my mom said she was bringing me some homegrown ‘tomaters’ from her own garden.

The bok choy was only a dollar, and since I’ve never tried it before, I thought it wasn’t too much to spend on something new even if I don’t end up liking it.  And the peaches weren’t from the market; they’re from my friend Mary’s very own backyard tree here in Riverside.  And they are extremely sweet and delicious!!

A wonderful morning, a bountiful and affordable harvest, and a fun bike ride with my sister and niece.  I love, love, love Riverside, California!!!

Local Farmers’ Markets

The Riverside Downtown Farmers’ Market is a place for area farmers to sell their seasonal crops directly to customers.  When Tara and I first heard about this, we had just started taking our healthy eating to the next level, so this was perfect timing.  Instead of driving a car to the market and contributing to polluting the environment, we ride our bicycles.  Exercise… pollution reduction… healthy food… what a great way to start almost each and every weekend.

Located on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall between 5th and 6th Streets (adjacent to the Mission Inn) in the arts and culture district of downtown Riverside, it provides a unique opportunity to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, hummus, aged gouda cheese by Winchester Cheese Co., fresh baked bread from Old Towne Baking Co. and other specialty food items.

Open every SATURDAY from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

A photo of my beach cruiser’s handlebar basket overflowing with my farmers’ market haul a couple of weekends ago.  Nectarines, plums, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, cabbage, broccoli, corn, eggplant, etc. all for under $30!

Every FRIDAY from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sears parking lot (corner of Streeter and Arlington) is the original Riverside Certified Farmers’ Market open rain or shine at the same location for over 25 years!  This farmers’ market specializes in local ‘mom & pop’ farms and organic backyard gardeners that offer everything from heirloom tomatoes to ancient varieties of corn.  Because growing your own food is the healthiest, these farmers give friendly farming advice.

In addition to the organic farmers, there are local bakeries, fresh cut flowers, hot roasted peanuts, local honey, potted orchids, and a colorful assortment of local artisans including hand-mined stone jewelry and natural soy candles.  Some vendors accept Visa and MasterCard, and there’s an ATM machine on the premises.

No matter which Farmers’ Market you attend, maybe even both, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat (or umbrella) and bring your canvas shopping bags.  We’ll see you there!

3233 Pachappa Hill, Riverside

[ SOLD for $350,000 ] This amazing one-of-a-kind home sold in ONE day, for FULL PRICE in August 2010!  Incredible views of Riverside go on forever and ever at this split-level hilltop home on quiet, prestigious Pachappa Hill!  Built in 1945, this 4-bedroom (with two master bedroom suites), 2-bathroom home with over 2300 sq ft has gorgeous hardwood floors under living room carpeting, a fireplace, a custom library with rolling ladder, and a view from almost every room in the house!  Large yard (14,374 square feet) is over a quarter acre, and there is a 2-car garage with a bonus room/office/workshop above the garage (which could be converted back to guest quarters).  This home has been in the same family for over 30 years!

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6094 Elenor Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ SOLD for $269,900 ]   Text book cute!  This historical 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single story cottage is approximately 1400 sq ft and was built in 1942 with Colonial Revival style detailing.  This traditional single family residence has been designated as a “Structure of Merit” by the City of Riverside, and has been carefully maintained over the years.

Some wonderful features include updated plumbing, central air/heat, original (and gorgeous) hardwood floors throughout, eat-in kitchen plus formal dining room, original tile in hallway bathroom, original bedroom closet shoe rack, romantic fireplace, crown moulding, indoor laundry, 30-year commercial-grade kitchen lineoleum, and $1,000 whisper-quiet dishwasher.

The recessed brick porch overlooks a large sycamore tree in the front yard.  The backyard is large enough to accommodate a pool if you wish, but for now please enjoy the garden shed, citrus trees and built-in BBQ.   A detached 2-car garage matches the style of the residence, and is accessed by a long Hollywood driveway.  The garage has been drywalled, and an extra room was added for storage, office, or workout room, etc.  The traditional garage door was replaced with French doors; however, a garage door could be easily re-installed.

You couldn’t want better neighbors, nor could you be in a better location which is walking distance to the Riverside Plaza, movie theatre, supermarkets and banks, and just blocks from RCC (Riverside Community College). 

This is a standard sale — this is not a foreclosure or short sale!  Sellers are able and willing to respond to all offers within 24 hours.  No waiting weeks [or months] for a bank’s answer!

Start thinking about how to spend your First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit … as long as you qualify, are under contract by April 30th, and close escrow by June 30th!!

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4326 Elmwood Court

[ SOLD for $269,900 ]  Talk about curb appeal — and affordabilityl!!!  The porch on
this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom “Wood Streets” bungalow is just calling your name!  With approx 1330 sq ft, this 1927 home boasts fresh interior paint, gleaming hardwood floors throughout, fireplace, large living room combined with formal dining area, central air and heat, spacious kitchen with dishwasher and gas stove, indoor laundry, and master bedroom suite with private bathroom.  Period wood casement windows add to the charm of this desirable “Wood Streets” neighborhood family home! 

Huge attic space could be converted to another bedroom/bathroom.  In addition, you’ll find a covered patio which is perfect for year-round entertaining and/or relaxing!  The large pool-sized backyard with meandering walkway leads you to a mature shade tree and shed.  Many beautiful and colorful rosebushes dot the landscape, and a long driveway with enough room for RV and/or boat parking as well.

This is a standard sale — this is not a foreclosure or short sale!  Sellers are able and willing to respond to all offers within 24 hours.  No waiting weeks [or months] for a bank’s answer!

One of the main reasons this historical neighborhood is so popular and desirable, is that real families live and interact here!  You’ll see neighbors walking their dogs, pushing baby strollers, riding bicycles, and organizing block parties!  There are also scheduled ‘Walks with the Mayor’, a farmers market, fundraising home tours, museums, and so much more!  Come be a part of this magical neighborhood!

Start packing … and thinking about how to spend your First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit … as long as you qualify, are under contract by April 30th, and close escrow by June 30th!!

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3581 Castle Reagh

[ SOLD for $335,000 ]    “Wood Streets Neighborhood” two-story stucco Tudor Revival has been in the same family for many years!  Built in 1931, this home is much larger than it appears! There are a total of 6 bedrooms (4 downstairs, 2 upstairs) and 3 bathrooms (2 downstairs, 1 upstairs).  One of the bedrooms downstairs is smaller than the others, but it does have a closet and is located between a bathroom and and one of the bedrooms, so it could be used as a child’s room, nursery, office, den or work-out room.

Original 1931 features include wood casement windows, many original fixtures, skeleton-key door locks, some coved ceilings, original hardwood floors under carpeting, and extra high ceiling in living room.  Modern amenities include central air conditioning/heat, whole house fan, indoor laundry, and alarm system.

Once you walk through the little swinging gates onto the front covered patio, you will feel a sense of peace and “home”.  The original front door opens into the large living room with high ceiling, fireplace, and picture window perfect for displaying holiday decorations.  You’ll then wind your way into the large formal dining room with coved ceiling overlooking the front patio.  Three of the downstairs bedrooms are large and each one has a walk-in closet (two have built-in dressers).  The square footage downstairs is approximately 1800 square feet, with an additional 200+ upstairs.

All the extra storage space throughout this house will boggle your mind, including the attic space and very large walk-in closet upstairs.  Most of the closets have built-in dressers!  There is also a cedar-lined closet in the downstairs hallway.  The kitchen is open and airy with an antique stove, tile counter tops, pull-out shelves, and an attached breakfast nook with double doors that open onto the lovely front patio.

Separate indoor laundry room with stairway to the upstairs which boasts two bedrooms, one of which is very large with a regular closet with sliding doors, built-in cabinetry, plus a walk-in closet.  There is also a bathroom and a kitchenette upstairs as well; great for guests that plan on staying a while, or perfect for an independent college student.

The backyard is low maintenance with a lovely covered deck with built-in seating perfect for entertaining many friends.  There is also access to a basement under the deck which houses the furnace and is perfect for storing holiday decorations and/or use as a wine cellar.  Most of the backyard is inlaid brick, so you won’t need a lawnmower.  There is a rose garden, citrus trees, and year-round flowering plants.

To round out this wonderful value-of-a-home, you’ll enjoy the 2-car garage with automatic door and aesthetically-pleasing driveway with inlaid brick.  Attached to the back of the garage is another room which could be used as storage, potting shed or dark room, and with a bit of ingenuity and a contractor, you could possibly turn it into a guest quarters.  Add to the mix, lovely neighbors on one of the most desired streets in the Wood Streets neighborhood, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends!

Start packing…. you can be in your new home in time for the holidays!!!

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3565 Beechwood Place

 

[ SOLD for $375,000 ]   Exquisite! Absolutely gorgeous! Choice location and meticulous maintenance combine to create a home that is nothing short of stunning, and is certain to be of interest to “Wood Streets” aficionados who would like to own one of the neighborhood’s finest homes – built by famous Riverside builder, Harry Marsh!

This home sets the tone for the model of luxury!  Sellers have spared no expense, from the new energy-efficient A/C, heater and ductwork, to the reburbished inground pool and spa!  Main house is approximately 1600 square feet with 2 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.  In addition, there are 2 guest quarters, each with a private 3/4 bathroom bathroom!

Elegance greets you upon entry as you glance upwards to the exaggerated tray ceiling which adds depth to the living room.  Along with the original hardwood floors, you’ll notice the beautiful gas/wood-burning fireplace flanked by French doors to the spacious family room.

The formal dining room boasts a coved ceiling which adds yet another special architectural feature.   The family room, with top-of-the-line porcelain tile floors, also has built-in bookshelves, recessed lighting, and French doors which open to the large covered brick patio.

The numerous amenities include new interior decorator paint, 5-year-old exterior paint, blown-in insulation, double paned windows, basement, permitted walk-in closet addition in master bedroom suite (including a private half bathroom), incredibly charming and 1930′s-era pedestal sink and toilet in hall bathroom, and a bright remodeled kitchen with glass cabinets and built-in breakfast bench in nook area. 

Now venture outside to the large private backyard, where you’ll be amazed at the low-maintenance of the flagstone, block walls, and entertaining areas, along with grapefruit, lemon, orange and lime trees for homemade drinks and cocktail embellishments.  The sparkling inground pool and spa were completely refurbished to the tune of almost $20,000!  And finally, a handsome wrought iron gate complements the long private driveway. 

This home is also claimed as Riverside City Structure of Merit #699!

Relive the romance of the 1930′s in one of the best houses in the “Wood Streets” neighborhood; a strong community where people walk, children play, and friendly neighbors greet one another on the street!

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Festival of Lights

Each year thousands of people gather in the beautiful City of Riverside on Mission Inn Avenue the day after Thanksgiving to welcome the Christmas season by watching the amazing lighting of The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa.  This 16th annual Festival of Lights “switch on” ceremony begins after nightfall and features welcoming remarks from Mayor Ron Loveridge, as well as Keeper of the Inn, Duane Roberts, and even Santa Clause. 

With a collective countdown, the festivities begin and the sky becomes alight with fireworks as powerful holiday music plays in sync.  At the culmination of the fireworks display, all three million lights and hundreds of figurines on the Mission Inn come to life and illuminate the streets of Downtown Riverside.  To make sure all of Riverside can enjoy this amazing site, The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa remains lit nightly into the first week of January.

The festivities extend to the adjacent Main Street Pedestrian Mall where horse-drawn carriages and carolers stroll amongst one-of-a-kind shops, and even an ice skating rink.  This event, which began as a modest hotel-only event in 1993, has since grown into one of the premier holiday lights displays in the country, and has even been featured in People Magazine.

Mission Inn: Seeing the World in a Day

At the Mission Inn Museum they seek to tell the history of Frank Miller and the Mission Inn, in addition to connecting you with the larger histories of Riverside, Southern California, art and architectural styles, and the missions. Unfortunately, with over 10,000 items in the collection, many of the Inn’s unique treasures remain hidden in storage because there simply is not enough space to display everything. The Mission Inn Museum’s new exhibit, Seeing the World in a Day: International Treasures of the Mission Inn, opening July 10, 2008 and on exhibit through September 30, seeks to remedy this by featuring an array of artifacts from around the world that have been, until now, out of public view. In this exhibit you will see treasures from the Inn’s lobby, Kiva, St. Francis Chapel, Spanish Art Gallery, Fuji-Kan room, and Cloister Art Shop.

Come take a step back in time and visit the Mission Inn Museum

The museum is located at 3696 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501

They also offer a 75-minute walking tour. The cost is $12 for adults, children under twelve are free with an adult.  Call the museum at (951) 788-9556 during regular business hours for available tour times and reservations.