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

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.