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2840 Stonehill Dr was built in 1954. Dee Goedhart (1929-2015) lived here since at least 1960.
She inscribed "DEE 60" into the concrete of the back patio when it was poured. We can speculate that the swimming pool may have been installed at the same time that concrete was inscribed, although it's unknown if the pool was installed as part of the original 1954 house or at some other time. We do know it existed by 1964 thanks to dated photos showing the pool behind her niece, Leslie, and nephew, Steven (her heirs).
Dee was a civil engineer, and public records show her with a married surname of Calafat and subsequent use of her maiden name of Goedhart, presumably after divorcing Bob Calafat (1929-2007).
There is a second dated inscription on some newer concrete:
FEB 2 1994
DEE GOEDHART
ERV HOWE
Long time neighbors recall a lively relationship between Dee and Erv. If you inspect the corner of the driveway near the garage door you will easily find the simple inscription DEE ERV. We found mention of an Erv Howe in local papers from 1961 mentioning Altadena Town and Country Club committee member and 1970 mentioning a PCC 1-meter diver, but it is unclear if this is the same person. We don't know Erv's age nor if he's still living.
When Dee passed in 2015, her house went into probate. Once that process completed, we purchased the house from her heirs, Leslie and Steven.
We live three doors up the street in the house Norah was raised in since the early 70s. Norah's parents retired to Arizona over 20 years ago. Our plans are to move Norah's parents here when/if they need to move closer to family for help as they grow older. In the meantime, we decided to turn it into an Airbnb, giving us occasional use of the house and pool, and the flexibility to move in her parents on short notice.
Remodeling Permits
Covid-19 Restrictions
Design Choices
Final Inspection!
We began the restoration process as soon as we closed on the sale June 11, 2021. We didn't make any additions, although we did extensive upgrades to everything from foundation to attic. Despite Covid-19 restrictions, we managed to get permits reasonably quickly, and we had very good fortune with scheduling contractors.
Seismic upgrades to foundation and frame
Copper repipe replacing old galvanized system
New energy efficient and fire resistant windows
Replace electrical system (50A to 200A service)
New heat pump HVAC system
Replace ceiling insulation and add radiant barrier
Add wall and floor insulation
Replace kitchen
Replace master bathroom
Refurbish pool
New landscaping in front and back yards
We were able to get final inspection signed off in just under 5 months, and we spent about 3 months on final wring-out and furnishing for Airbnb guests. We received our first guest on February 11, 2022.