Who is Dorothy Townsend and what does she have to do with real estate?

Dorothy Townsend, an L.A. Times journalist from 1954 to 1986, was the first female staff writer to cover local news in a city room long populated only by men.  Soon after demanding that the city editor assign her to cover the 1965 Watts riots, Dorothy and her all-male team won a Pulitzer Prize for reporting on the story.  She continued to cover tough news assignments and many women journalists who came after Dorothy saw her as a pioneer.  She recently passed away at 88.

 

Now, the Sherman Oaks home that Ms. Townsend shared with her husband, Richard Vanderveld, has been listed by me for sale by the couple’s trust.  The address is 4167 Weslin, SO 91423.  This classic traditional Sherman Oaks south-of-boulevard home needs some fixing and updating, but the stunning location, gorgeous landscaping and architectural details make it a wonderful, welcoming place to live. And two bedrooms plus den, 2 baths and full 1+1 guest house make this home a terrific value.  Other features include generously-sized kitchen, two fireplaces, living room with stepped ceiling and view; dressing area in master, formal dining room, formal entry, covered deck with view, expansive lot with pool, terrace and covered patio plus a view of the surrounding hillsides. Guest house (permits unknown) has kitchenette, separate bedroom and ¾ bath plus separate entrance.  Garage has 3 parking spaces.  Listed for $640,000; sold “as is.” Specs: 1719 sf main house, 10831 sf lot, built in 1939. MLS #12-597141.

For more info, please contact me or see additional pictures on my website at www.judygraff.com.