Majestic Monrovia Victorian built in 1887 seeks $1.7M

Don’t be confused by the bold lettering adorning the front gable of this Victorian residence; the well-preserved home is called “Idlewild,” but it is located in Monrovia, not the similarly-named mountain town in Riverside County.

Constructed in 1887, the grandiose home (when built, a bronze statue of Giotto stood alongside an onyx mantelpiece) was designed by prominent California architect Joseph Cather Newsom. Its original owner was onetime Monrovia mayor William Pile, who reached the rank of general during the Civil War.

The 3,384-square-foot home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with ample living space, a large kitchen, and a formal dining room. The home has clearly been remodeled over the years, but retains numerous pieces of original woodwork, along with an ornate coffered entry and a magnificent central stairwell.

The home sits on a one-third-acre lot, fronted by neatly landscaped gardens. In the back is a large deck and an enclosed yard with a detached garage.

The landmarked property at 255 North Mayflower Avenue is listed for $1.699 million.