Another loss for Downey's history

I wrote yesterday about the Rives Mansion, which hopefully will be restored to its full potential. Another historic building, the Harriman House on the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus, won't be so lucky, since it was mostly destroyed by fire last night.

The building was erected in 1915 as the residence for the superintendent of the County Poor Farm. The first residents were William Harriman and his family, who lived here until his resignation in 1952. The 5,000 square foot house was designed in the Craftman style.

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There's no place like home

I know it looks like it needs a little tender loving care, but there is something very cozy and appealing about this little home. I recently peeked inside the windows when they were doing some work and it was charming on the inside too.

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."
~ Maya Angelou

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Planned seclusion

I liked how these owners planned the foliage in the front yard to make their house secluded from people on the street. Although, the people on the street get to enjoy a beautiful yard as they pass by. Both sides get to enjoy the view.

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Shapes

This Downey house has multiple shapes in the design of their house. They have the rectangular window within the pentagon shape and the odd shapes of rocks within the rectangular red bricks. Can you see any other shapes in the picture?

�Seeing all life
in perfect symmetry.

Perceiving each day
with righteous clarity.

Living each moment
in purposed reality.

Believing each day
is the start of eternity.�
~ S. Tarr, Love, Adventure and Other Noble Quests

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Makeover

Sometimes as I drive around Downey, I notice that a house is suddenly looking spiffier than usual. On this house, either the gray is a new addition, or the previous coat of gray had faded so much that it looked white. The new gray walls, with the whiter-than-white trim and black shutters, give this 1919 colonial-style house a very stately appearance.

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Cottage style

Sometimes I think I should have been born in the English countryside. I'm always attracted to the cottage-style houses in Downey�especially in spring when they're surrounded by cottage-style gardens in full bloom.

"I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give."
~ Thomas Jefferson

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Mountain retreat?

It was hot today, but this front yard reminded me so much of a mountain cabin that I automatically felt 10 degrees cooler. The chair, in the dappled sunlight surrounded by flowers and rustic decorations, looked like the perfect place to take a break.

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Casa Machado

Getting a tour of this unique house was an amazing treat. Julio and Stella are welcoming and kind. They clearly love showing off their beloved home. As you can see, everywhere there is the profusion of color and growing things! There is even a tree "growing" on the side of the house.



"HOME is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, laughter never ends."

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