Perched above Friendship Park on the high side of Mendocino Village, the historic Spencer Hills House has quietly presided over the coastal landscape since 1855. One of the village's most distinguished Victorian residences, the home sits on a remarkable 1.2-acre parcel, an uncommon expanse within the historic district, with layered views across village rooftops, classic water towers, the mouth of Big River, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Recognized by fans around the world as the home of Cabot Cove's beloved physician, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the property appeared in the iconic television series Murder, She Wrote. For admirers of the long-running show, the residence remains a familiar part of Mendocino's cinematic identity and adds a memorable cultural chapter to its long history. Architecturally, Spencer Hills House reflects the craftsmanship of early Mendocino builders. Distinctive custom milled trim unique to the residence highlights the artistry of the period. Interior ceiling heights are notably generous for a Victorian of this vintage, creating spaces that feel open and welcoming. Expansive windows capture changing coastal light and illuminate wide plank wood floors and preserved period details that lend warmth and authenticity throughout the interiors. The home has benefited from significant recent upgrades and repairs completed with exceptional attention to quality and detail. These improvements enhance comfort, performance, and longevity while remaining harmonious with the home's historic character and architectural fabric. Outdoor living unfolds across the property's expansive grounds. A generous deck provides an exceptional setting for outdoor dining and entertaining above the village, framed by coastal cypress and distant ocean horizons. A thoughtfully designed bocce court set in surrounding flagstone offers a relaxed gathering space well suited to Mendocino's coastal lifestyle. A two car garage provides everyday practicality with cedar lined storage, wine space, and EV wiring. A separate non historic barn on the northwest corner of the parcel comes with approved plans and permits to bring it into compliance, offering future flexibility consistent with Mendocino Historic Review Board standards. From the front door, Mendocino Village is just moments away, with galleries, restaurants, cafs, and coastal trails easily reached on foot. Spencer Hills House represents a rare opportunity to own one of Mendocino's landmark residences.
Active
Price cut: $155K (8/4)
$2,690,000
44900 Little Lake Road, Mendocino, CA 95460
5beds
2,894sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1855
1.2 Acres Lot
$2,549,400 Zestimate®
$930/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- 270 days
- 1,695
- 161
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Meg E Wilson DRE #01720911 707-357-7781,
Mendo Sotheby's International 707-937-5822
Source: BAREIS,MLS#: 326000811
Originating MLS: Mendocino
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: Dining Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Master Bathroom, Primary Bedroom 2+, Office
Primary bedroom
- Features: Ground Floor, Outside Access, Walk-In Closet(s)
- Level: Main,Upper
Bedroom
- Level: Main,Upper
Primary bathroom
- Features: Granite, Stone, Tile
Bathroom
- Features: Granite, Tile
- Level: Main,Upper
Dining room
- Features: Formal Room
- Level: Main
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen Island, Stone Counters
- Level: Main
Living room
- Features: Deck Attached
- Level: Main
Heating
- Central, Fireplace(s), Propane, Propane Stove
Cooling
- None
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Free-Standing Gas Range, Free-Standing Refrigerator, Range Hood, Microwave, Tankless Water Heater, Wine Refrigerator
- Laundry: Cabinets, Ground Floor, Inside Room
Features
- Flooring: Stone, Wood
- Basement: None
- Number of fireplaces: 2
- Fireplace features: Double Sided, Gas Log, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Wood Burning
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,894
- Total interior livable area: 2,894 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 5
- Parking features: Detached, Garage Door Opener, Garage Faces Front, Uncovered Parking Spaces 2+, Paved
- Garage spaces: 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Front Porch, Deck, Patio
- Exterior features: Fire Pit, Uncovered Courtyard
- Fencing: Fenced,Partial,Wood
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Downtown, Garden/Greenbelt, Ocean, Water
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Ocean,Water
Lot
- Size: 1.2 Acres
- Features: Court, Garden, Landscape Front, Landscape Misc, Shape Regular
Details
- Additional structures: Barn(s), Outbuilding
- Parcel number: 1191402400
- Special conditions: Trust
- Horse amenities: 1-6 Stalls, Barn, Hay Storage
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Victorian,Vintage
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Redwood Siding
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Composition
Condition
- Year built: 1855
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 220 Volts
- Gas: Propane Tank Leased
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Private, Cistern, Well
- Utilities for property: Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Propane Tank Leased, Sewer Connected
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Carbon Monoxide Detector(s), Smoke Detector(s)
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Mendocino
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $930/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,840,131
- Date on market: 1/7/2026
- Electric utility on property: Yes
Estimated market value
$2,549,400
$2.42M - $2.68M
$3,845/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/4/2026 | Price change | $2,690,000-5.4%$930/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 5/20/2026 | Price change | $2,845,000-5%$983/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 2/12/2026 | Price change | $2,995,000-9.2%$1,035/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 1/6/2026 | Listed for sale | $3,300,000+94.1%$1,140/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 6/10/2022 | Sold | $1,700,000-14.8%$587/sqft |
Source: CMARMLS #28104 Report a problem | ||
| 3/28/2022 | Pending sale | $1,995,000$689/sqft |
Source: CMARMLS #28104 Report a problem | ||
| 12/3/2021 | Listed for sale | $1,995,000+73.5%$689/sqft |
Source: CMARMLS #28104 Report a problem | ||
| 4/30/2014 | Sold | $1,150,000-10.9%$397/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 8/26/2013 | Listing removed | $1,290,000$446/sqft |
Source: Coast Real Estate #23659 Report a problem | ||
| 6/14/2013 | Price change | $1,290,000-7.9%$446/sqft |
Source: Coast Real Estate #23659 Report a problem | ||
| 5/15/2013 | Price change | $1,400,000-3.4%$484/sqft |
Source: Coast Real Estate #23659 Report a problem | ||
| 12/11/2012 | Listed for sale | $1,450,000+56.8%$501/sqft |
Source: Coast Real Estate #23659 Report a problem | ||
| 11/3/2000 | Sold | $925,000+80.7%$320/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 9/30/1999 | Sold | $512,000$177/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | -- | $1,840,131 +2% |
| 2025 | $20,864 +2.7% | $1,804,051 +2% |
| 2024 | $20,319 +25.1% | $1,768,679 +27% |
| 2023 | $16,240 -2% | $1,392,189 +2% |
| 2022 | $16,566 | $1,364,892 +2% |
| 2021 | -- | $1,338,130 +1.1% |
| 2020 | $14,749 +1.3% | $1,323,783 +4.3% |
| 2019 | $14,559 +3.9% | $1,269,549 +2% |
| 2018 | $14,007 +3% | $1,244,664 +2% |
| 2017 | $13,593 +3.3% | $1,220,376 +2.5% |
| 2016 | $13,158 +0.3% | $1,190,860 +1.5% |
| 2015 | $13,112 +4.1% | $1,172,977 +3.2% |
| 2014 | $12,598 | $1,137,010 +37.8% |
| 2013 | -- | $825,000 +10% |
| 2012 | -- | $750,000 -6.3% |
| 2011 | -- | $800,000 |
| 2010 | -- | $800,000 -26.1% |
| 2009 | -- | $1,082,361 +2% |
| 2008 | -- | $1,061,142 +2% |
| 2007 | -- | $1,040,338 +2% |
| 2006 | -- | $1,019,942 +2% |
| 2005 | -- | $999,944 +2% |
| 2004 | -- | $980,334 +1.9% |
| 2003 | -- | $962,370 +2% |
| 2002 | -- | $943,500 +2% |
| 2001 | -- | $925,000 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
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