Williams House (Hillmont), 1887 - Architect Harry Ridgway in Pasadena

Review №1

2020-02-06

Williams House (Hillmont), 18871375 East Mountain StreetArchitect: Harry RidgwayThis neighborhood, declared a landmark district in 1989, reveals the quality and richness of conventional houses built during the Craftsman period (1900 to 1920). Unlike those on other tours, most of these houses were built by contractors or their original owners without architects. Designs were often adapted from popular “bungalow books,” which discussed such things as built-in buffets, boulder fireplaces and the scent of jasmine through French doors. For $5 to $10 one could order minimal plans and a clever carpenter would improvise the details. Since many homes were built for under $3,000, they were affordable for most residents. Michigan and Mar Vista Avenues contain some of the tastiest bungalows, but this neighborhood is much larger than the tour. You will see in these houses charming touches, such as an entry that is part of a chimney, brick-and-boulder walls, and vine-covered pergolas. Bungalow Heaven experienced a surge of restoration activity beginning in the late 1970s, so a majority of the houses have now been refurbished in authentic historical style. If you would like a longer tour, explore Chester Avenue, which was more recently added to the landmark district.