The home where I grew up: a guest blog by Blair Roddan

I'm sure that most all of us have memories of the home we grew up in. I am no exception. I still have the memories of this house and how it was laid out. I hope my description of my home will jog the memories of others so that they will think not only about what that homes looked like, but also the memories that go along with it.

My parents built the home in 1952 at 548 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates, California, the first home built on the south side of that street. The architect was Carrington Lewis and the contractor was Bill Blymeier. The home was built into the side of a hill, a three-story split-level wonder.

As I remember it, there was a precipitously steep driveway up to the garage. Looking at it now it doesn't really look all that steep; I guess when you are young things becomes exaggerated. Once in the garage, there was a door right in front of you that, when opened, you could store stuff in. To the right were two trash cans. You had to leave the garage door open on trash days, as they had to pick up the cans.Toward the back and on the right was the gas water heater. Also on the right was the door for entry to the house. This was the first level. On this floor was a rumpus room that could be used as a rental unit, which my parents did once. There was also a bathroom with a stall shower. To the left of this bathroom was a closet door that housed the central heating unit. I remember when it rained that thhis room would flood for some reason.

Next, came the rather long narrow staircase that took you to the second floor. To the right was the kitchen with a breakfast nook where we ate our meals. There were four different colored stools around it. The kitchen had all the latest built-in appliances. If one was to walk further right he would be led to the master bathroom which was all done in blue. Walking through the master bathroom led, of course, to the master bedroom. It had custom built closets, as a bedroom should, plus large plate glass windows looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Continuing to one's right, there was a small hallway that had a linen closet as well as a storage area for a folding table and four chairs.

Upon emerging from this hallway you would enter the living room. To the left was a fireplace with a wood mantle. Also along this wall was a built-in bookcase. A series of plate glass windows offered spectacular ocean views. Off the living room was an entry hall. Not only was this where the formal front door was, but there was also a closet plus 3 chest drawers where Mother kept her silverware and games, amogst other things.

The third level was my brother's and my living quarters. We had to climb a few steps up to that level. There was a wood bannister we used to slide down. My bedroom was on the extreme left. It had a hardwood floor that was covered with grass matting. Then there was a full bathroom that my brother and I shared. On the right was my brother's bedroom. It also had grass matting, but had a built-in desk in the right hand corner.

Being that the house was built into the side of a hill, our parents planted ivy as ground cover. This was great for us kids! We'd climb to the top of the hill and slide down the ivy. Our Dad knew when we did this--the ivy was trampled! When he'd question us we'd always blame it on another local kid.

I encourage you to think back on the home you were brought up in. It not only brings back memories, it shows your offspring a side of you they might not have known. I know this memory is a big one for me.

I remember when my parents were going to sell this house in 1964. The Smith Realty sign was nailed to the garage door. I thought to myself, why is this happening?