4811 Brockton Ave., Riverside
[ SOLD for $680,000 on 1/20/2016 ] Built in 1888, this Queen Anne Victorian mansion was once owned by Dr. Wood, namesake of the “Wood Streets” neighborhood. This exquisite and historic home, which once was part of 20 acres, is now Landmark #108 and has been restored with some modern features under the watchful eye of the City of Riverside and the Riverside Historical Society.
This 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home with 3,655 sq ft retains much of its original historic features, including stained glass windows, six fireplaces with tile surrounds and wood mantles, chandelier medallions, elegant staircase woodwork, push button light switches with dimmers, and a basement.
What is known as the “Ames-Westbrook House,” is featured in Chapter 15 (page 49) of the book entitled “Adobes, Bungalows, and Mansions of Riverside, California Revisited” by Esther H. Klotz and Joan H. Hall.
Modern features include remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, convenient upstairs laundry, central air/heat, and updated plumbing/electrical. Too many amazing features to list here, so don’t miss the photo captions.
Each bedroom has private bathroom access, including a master suite with sitting area, fireplace, and walk-in closet.
There is a third floor which has been cordoned off, but could easily be converted back into living square footage or additional bedrooms/bathrooms. There is an additional approximate 1000+/- square feet on the third floor. Extreme potential.
The extensively landscaped corner lot is just under half an acre (18,295 sq ft) with citrus trees, a koi pond, outdoor seating areas, lighted gazebo, and space for a 4-car garage.
*Homeowners may consider selling the house completely furnished (grand piano is negotiable).*
A stunning architectural treasure that welcomes you through an inviting doorway into the past!
[ For best photo viewing, click on first photo
so it fills the screen, then arrow through the photos,
and don’t forget to read the informative captions. ]

another set of double doors just inside,
like a mudroom you’d see in east coast
homes. The original owner (Samuel A.
Ames) was from Massachusetts and
was once a Pony Express mail carrier!

long hallway leading to the kitchen, and
to your left is the formal living room with
two sets of pocket doors.

home. One of SIX working gas fireplaces
with original tile surround and wood
mantle. Doorway to the left of fireplace
leads to downstairs bathroom.

fixture and medallion, as well as gas
fireplace #2 and original stained glass in
windows above grand piano. Another
example of the early Riverside residents’
wealth were push button light and
dimmer switches, which still operate
today!

pocket doors, this set which separates
the living room from the formal dining
room. They open so easily you could use
your pinkie finger.

#3, hardwood floors, chandelier and
medallion, and three sets of pocket
doors. High end period-accurate curtains
were custom made for this home, as
well as the cloud effect painted on most
of the ceilings.

#4 and with hardwood floors, and
another original chandelier with
medallion.

counters, 6-burner Viking stove with pot
filler, warming drawer, built-in
microwave, built-in coffee maker,
dishwasher, and built-in wine rack. Plus
there’s a separate walk-in pantry.

with space for corner table, or a corner
bench would fit very nicely.

and family room. Great lighting, and ideal
place for jackets and leashes (or horse
bridle).

the kitchen), and this hallway leads you
full circle and back to the front entrance,
the office enclave, and the downstairs
bathroom. To the right are the pocket
doors leading to formal dining room.

mantle from previous home will not stay;
it’s just decoration) with dual sinks and
private water closet with single pocket
door.

the home, with original windows and
hardwood floors.

detail in this staircase?!

delighted to find the original baby barrier
and original locking hardware too. If you
make an appt to see this home, don’t
forget to ask us about the hidden
staircase for the 3rd floor.

#5, ceiling fan, hardwood floors and
original 10-inch base boards.

curved leaded glass windows!

area with gas fireplace #6. This room
offers access to a walk-in closet and a
private bathroom.

granite counter top, spa tub, and private
water closet.

this one adjacent to master. Six
gorgeous original windows, ceiling fan,
closet, and private bathroom.

turret with extra space for more
furniture. Custom-made beaded
period-accurate window shades.

bedroom. Granite counter top and
separate shower stall.

and jill bathroom. This is the third
bedroom, whereas the fourth bedroom
has exposed hardwood floors and is
currently being utilized as a home gym.

3rd and 4th bedrooms. Shower in tub,
granite counter top, tile floor.

tile floor, real tin (period accurate)
ceiling, with sink and antique cupboards.

grand piano in living room.

of front porch from side yard. Note the
extensive landscaping. Unfortunately, all
of the rosebushes have been cut back
but will be in blooming within a month or
two!

not stay) and lighted gazebo (stays). Yard
is large enough to accommodate
wedding parties or family reunions.

in foreground (extensive pump and
waterfall system), patio area, and
driveway with lots of parking (and room
for a 4-car garage) to the left.

laid-out yard. Walk down the arbor that
will soon be covered in blooming
wisteria, adjacent to the many citrus
trees, including lemon and oranges.
There has been extensive landscaping
throughout this yard, with boxwood
hedges, rosebushes, flowers, etc. And in
the northeast corner of the yard you’ll
find the most beautiful and mature
Magnolia tree! This yard is a super treat!

horse-drawn carriages pulled up with
guests in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. A large portion of original 19th
century bricks are still in place!

of its construction! Such detail
throughout this house even extends to
the unique chimneys.
