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, cafes, and coastal trails easily reached on foot. Spencer Hills House represents a rare opportunity to own one of Mendocino's landmark residences.
For sale
Listed by: Mendo Sotheby's International Realty
Price cut: $150K (5/20)
$2,845,000
44900 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino, CA 95460
5beds
2,894sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1855
1.2 Acres Lot
$2,736,700 Zestimate®
$983/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Perched above friendship parkWide plank wood floorsExpansive grounds
- 171 days |
- 1,605 |
- 92 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Meg Wilson DRE #01720911 megsrealestate@gmail.com,
Mendo Sotheby's International Realty
Source: CRMLS,MLS#: C1-11230
Originating MLS: California Regional MLS (Ventura & Pasadena-Foothills AORs)
Originating MLS: California Regional MLS (Ventura & Pasadena-Foothills AORs)Loading...
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 15
Rooms
- Room types: Bedroom, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Primary Bathroom, Primary Bedroom, Office, Other, Dining Room
Primary bedroom
- Features: Main Level Primary
Primary bedroom
- Features: Multiple Primary Suites
Bedroom
- Features: Bedroom on Main Level
Bathroom
- Features: Bathtub, Full Bath on Main Level, Granite Counters, Remodeled, Separate Shower, Walk-In Shower
Kitchen
- Features: Granite Counters, Kitchen Island, Remodeled, Updated Kitchen
Other
- Features: Walk-In Closet(s)
Heating
- Central, Fireplace(s), Propane, Wood
Cooling
- None
Appliances
- Included: 6 Burner Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator, Range Hood, Tankless Water Heater
- Laundry: Laundry Room
Features
- Breakfast Bar, Crown Molding, Separate/Formal Dining Room, Granite Counters, High Ceilings, Storage, Bedroom on Main Level, Main Level Primary, Multiple Primary Suites, Walk-In Closet(s)
- Flooring: Stone, Wood
- Windows: Blinds, Custom Covering(s), Wood Frames
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Living Room, Primary Bedroom, Multi-Sided, Propane, Wood Burning
- Common walls with other units/homes: No Common Walls
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 2,894 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Door-Single, Driveway, Garage Faces Front, Garage, Off Street, Paved
- Garage spaces: 2
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Front Porch, Patio, Stone
- Exterior features: Rain Gutters
- Pool features: None
- Spa features: None
- Fencing: Wood
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Landmark, Neighborhood, Ocean, Water
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Ocean,Water
- Waterfront features: Ocean Side Of Highway
Lot
- Size: 1.2 Acres
- Features: Back Yard, Front Yard, Garden, Gentle Sloping, Horse Property, Lawn, Landscaped, Near Park, Rectangular Lot, Sprinklers None, Sloped Up, Yard
Details
- Additional structures: Barn(s), Outbuilding, Storage
- Parcel number: 1191402400
- Zoning: MRM
- Special conditions: Standard,Trust
- Horses can be raised: Yes
- Horse amenities: Riding Trail
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Victorian
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Frame, Redwood Siding
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Composition
Condition
- Updated/Remodeled
- Year built: 1855
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 220 Volts in Garage, 220 Volts in Laundry
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Private, See Remarks, Well
- Utilities for property: Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Sewer Connected
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Biking, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Horse Trails, Preserve/Public Land, Rural, Park
- Security: Carbon Monoxide Detector(s), Smoke Detector(s)
Location
- Region: Mendocino
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $983/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,804,051
- Annual tax amount: $20,864
- Date on market: 1/6/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 171 days
- Listing terms: Cash,Cash to New Loan,Conventional
- Road surface type: Paved
Estimated market value
$2,736,700
$2.60M - $2.87M
$4,236/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/20/2026 | Price change | $2,845,000-5%$983/sqft |
Source:  CRMLS #C1-11230 Report a problem | ||
| 2/12/2026 | Price change | $2,995,000-9.2%$1,035/sqft |
Source:  BAREIS #326000811 Report a problem | ||
| 1/6/2026 | Listed for sale | $3,300,000+94.1%$1,140/sqft |
Source: CRMLS #C1-11230 Report a problem | ||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: 95460
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- NAMendocino Alternative SchoolGrades: K-12Distance: 0.3 mi
- NAMendocino Sunrise High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 0.3 mi
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- California
- Mendocino County
- Mendocino
- 95460
- 44900 Little Lake Rd
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