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Nifty midcentury modern on an acre in Monrovia asking $1.4M

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The landmarked residence was the home of architect Ward R. Helman

The Helman Residence is located just south of Monrovia’s 1,416-acre Hillside Wilderness Preserve.
Courtesy of Susanne Kallis-Hayek and Tracy Alderson/Compass

While Monrovia is justly renowned for its abundance of Victorian-style homes, the San Gabriel Valley town does harbor a couple of outstanding examples of midcentury modern architecture as well. They include this fine specimen, the Ward R. Helman Residence. Named for the USC-trained architect who designed the home for himself and his family in 1951, it has remained in the Helman family ever since.

Located at 1 Hidden Valley Road just south of the 1,416-acre Hillside Wilderness Preserve, the single-story post-and-beam started out at 1,620 square feet, but was expanded to its current size of 3,267 square feet by the architect in 1966. According to Monrovia’s historic preservation commission report, the three-bedroom, two and a half bath home has seen minimal alteration since then.

Along with such trademark midcentury modern attributes as exposed beams, walls of glass, clerestory windows, and an open plan, the redwood-clad residence features two atriums, quarry tile floors, walnut built-ins, hidden storage in almost every wall, radiant floor heating, a living room bar, and two brick fireplaces, one with a unique metal hood handcrafted by Helman.

On a one-acre lot, the Mills Act-eligible property is offered with an asking price of $1.399 million. Tracy Alderson and Susanne Kallis-Hayek of Compass hold the listing.

The living room’s focal point is a brick fireplace with a unique metal hood also designed by Ward Helman. Floors are composed of quarry tile.
A custom chandelier and walnut built-ins grace the formal dining room.
The kitchen offers ample storage and counter space.
A breakfast bar looks out to an atrium accessible via sliders from the hallway and dining room.
Both the living room and family room are lined with walls of glass.
There are three bedrooms. The master features a built-in headboard and matching bedside tables.