Hillmont

The Romayne Williams House in Pasadena is more commonly referred to as Hillmont, named for the adjoining streets of Hill Avenue and Mountain Street. The 4,329 square-foot house is an exceptional local example of Queen Anne style architecture and unique among similarly styled mansions in Pasadena with its Jacobethan Revival elements and Scandinavian folkloric ornamentation. Completed in 1887, it was designed by Harry Ridgway for Romayne Williams, one of the earliest settlers in Pasadena. Williams was described as one of the city’s “enterprising citizens” during its settlement period, operating a “general merchandise” store which included the city’s post office and the city’s only telephone. Harry Ridgway was a prolific architect, the first to establish an office in Pasadena, and Hillmont is one of his master works. Hillmont is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pasadena, Los Angeles County
Photographer: John Bare