Tour Baldwin heiress home Nov. 23

You’ll find a bit of Arcadia history in Glendora this month. The Foothill Presbyterian Hospital Auxiliary cordially invites you to celebrate 39 years of “Homes for the Holidays” from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2014. This year the event also includes a classic car show in addition to three homes selected this year.

Opportunity Baskets will be offered at each home, and handcrafted gifts and holiday items are available at the multi-vendor/craft guild sale and hospital gift shop. Complimentary refreshments will be offered at Foothill Presbyterian Hospital.

Advance tickets are $23; with tickets on tour day priced at $25. Click here to buy tickets online and find more details. All proceeds raised at this event will fund capital improvements for our community hospital.

Special to the homes tour this year is the wonderful Albourne/Singer mansion. Designed in 1932 by the famous “architect to the stars,” Wallace Neff, the house, along with the garden, is spectacular. Attracted by the rich history and interesting detail, a new owner, the great great granddaughter of Lucky Baldwin, purchased this home in 2013. Lucky Baldwin founded the city of Arcadia in 1903. Ricardo and Margaux Viera have brought their love and the Baldwin family history to this fantastic 9,368 square foot home at 820 N. Verano Drive.

Ricardo and Margaux Viera were attracted to their home by its rich and beautiful history. Over 80 years ago, Arthur Bourne hired Wallace Neff, also know as “architect to the stars”, to design and build his home which was completed in 1932. Originally the citrus ranch sat on forty-four acres, but today the property has been downsized to 1.6 acres. Entirely walled, it was once surrounded by guard houses at every corner. In the aftermath of the Lindbergh kidnapping, great concern for security was a factor in building this home. The architect included many secret tunnels and hiding places so the family could escape undetected should the need arise. Look to the roof of this house, and you will see screened windows where snipers once kept watch.

Greeting you before entering the main house are two solid granite foo dogs. As you enter, notice the intricate, original dental molding, inlaid marble floors and majestic spiral staircase with original solid brass and iron railings. Also located on this floor are twin powder rooms, three bedrooms, and a bathroom. The gourmet eat-in kitchen features hardwood floors, beautiful cabinetry, three dishwashers and a dumb-waiter. South of the kitchen is the large formal dining room with the original hardwood flooring. There is an exquisitely wood paneled study complete with fireplace, black marble hearth, hardwood floors and secret passageway connecting to the elegant formal living room which also features a wood burning fireplace and a black marble hearth. The study showcases a painting of Margaux’s great, great, great grandfather, Lucky Baldwin. Above the living room fireplace, notice the lovely painting of 19 year-old Anita Baldwin, Margaux’s great, great grandmother. When viewing the painting, please observe the large diamond peacock broach most likely representing Arcadia’s peacock population. Upstairs, you will find an amazing master bedroom wing, which boasts two large walk-in closets, two fireplaces, and access to a private balcony and two verandas. The luxurious master bathroom is outfitted with inlaid marble floors, dresser style sinks, a marble alcove with oversized freestanding Jacuzzi spa tub and a second alcove with duel rain shower hardware. This level also includes three bedrooms, three full baths along with a kitchenette and a children’s playroom. Heading down to the lowest level, you will find a family room with a built in bar, a brick fireplace, and a hidden wall entrance which was once a speakeasy/panic room with a solid steel door and an escape door to the garden. Currently it is used as a wine cellar.

On the sprawling grounds, you will find many different themed gardens from an English Garden to the Biblical Garden. This estate holds the largest private rose collection in the United States. Please wander through the winding paths and observe the many ponds and antique fountains. Take note of the whimsical playhouses and one of Glendora’s first school houses. The northeast corner features a lap pool and spa.

The Foothill Presbyterian Hospital Auxiliary thanks Ricardo and Margaux Viera for their generosity in sharing their beautiful home and family history.

The second home on the tour was built in 1971 and completely remodeled in 2011. It is truly a family home that can be enjoyed by everyone. Indoors or outdoors, entertaining friends or having a family barbeque, this 4000 square foot home is perfect. Beautifully decorated and ready for the holidays, you won’t want to miss seeing this one.

Finally, we have chosen another historical home which is located in the heart of old Glendora. It is a wonderful example of craftsman architecture. The owners have painstakingly restored the rooms to their original beauty from the oak floors to the period-accurate wall paper, furniture and light fixtures.