6390 Merlin Dr., Riverside

[ SOLD for $415,000 ]   Hawarden Hills spectacular beauty!  This stunning 4-bedroom custom home has a European flare.  Enter through the solid rosewood double doors (featured in the Doors of Riverside poster) to a tiled entry imported from Spain. Large formal living room, and spacious family room with mahogany floors and fireplace. Sub-zero refrigerator and stainless appliances. Counter tops are a thick corian and 24k gold plated backsplash tiles.  All the doors are solid wood with solid brass fixtures. Wood shutters throughout. Guest bath has a steeping bath/jacuzzi with solid brass fittings. And finally, the back yard…. Oh, what an incredibly lovely backyard!  Large pool, fountain, covered patio with built-in barbecue, with over 100 different varieties of trees, flowers and shrubs on this 13,500 sq ft lot!  Right around the corner from the most famous street in Riverside: Victoria Avenue (miles of rosebushes and local beauty fit for royalty)!

    

Riverside’s Historic Victoria Avenue

 

So many times, we take for granted all of the wonderful places and things to do in the cities where we live.  Today, my friend Suzie encouraged me to wake earlier than usual and head out for a 5-mile walk along the City of Riverside’s historic Victoria Avenue.  This 4-mile-long botanical and scenic parkway, which was created in 1892, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is dotted with palm trees, citrus trees, rosebushes, benches, and even a convenient bike trail.

In 2002, Tara and I joined some friends for a 3-day 60-mile breast cancer fundraiser walk, and we proudly used Victoria Avenue as our training ground.  Due to many trees, there is some scattered mid-day shade which encourages walking most anytime of the day, except when the summer temperatures rise above the 3-digit mark!

I encourage you to take some time to smell the roses (literally) and walk, jog or bike along historic Victoria Avenue for some fresh air, sunshine and exercise!  Maybe I’ll see you out there…

~April Glatzel

1881 Arroyo Drive

[ SOLD for $480,000 ]    This one-of-a-kind 5 bedroom, 4 bath pool home is nestled and tucked away at the end of prestigious Arroyo Drive in the “Victoria” neighborhood of Riverside — you gotta see it to believe it!  Privacy and fantastic views to die for!  Sellers have spared no expense, from the brand new stove and dishwasher in the newly remodeled kitchen to the gorgeous hardwood floors and remodeled bathrooms!  Spacious and open kitchen allows you to see and enjoy the family room and formal dining room.  Master bedroom suite is completely private and separate from other bedrooms, with a breathtaking view, and French doors leading to the 2-year-old wraparound wood deck to enjoy coffee in the morning or dinner in the evening!  The main house is 2907 sq ft and the pool room is 450 sq ft, great for entertaining or a fun getaway for the kids!  Huge custom-built laundry room with tons of storage.  Also, a very handy mud room for even more storage. 3-year-old exterior paint, dual A/C units, two fireplaces, 12-year-old roof, fruit trees, and 2-car garage with roll-up door.

All of this just down the street from The Victoria County Club, established in 1903 and possibly the State’s first such country club; it’s situated above and in the arroyo and offers a beautiful and natural environment.  The “Victoria” neighborhood is historic with streets that flow with the land, following the natural contours.  Varying house elevations make for an ever-changing urban environment.  Victoria has been part of Riverside since its foundation.

You can be in your new home in time for the holidays!

<Slide your mouse over each photo for a detailed description>