Three Owners, 138 Years: The Enduring Story of the Jarvis House

Known as the Jarvis House, this 1887 Victorian landmark stands as a living relic of a bygone era—a home that has quietly borne witness to over a century of Riverside’s transformation. Having just three owners over its remarkable 138-year history, the Jarvis House has uniquely preserved much of its original detail and character.

Built by John T. Jarvis, a businessman and real estate pioneer who later became Riverside’s mayor in 1925, the house was designed in the Gothic Victorian style—a rarity in Southern California. Its original structure featured a dramatic central tower, ornate wood siding, and intricate detailing that embodied the ambition of its builder. But as Riverside’s fortunes shifted, so too did the house. In 1914, the Jarvis family remodeled the home, removing the tower and adding a sweeping front porch to align with the bungalow style then in vogue. Even as its silhouette changed, the Jarvis House retained its soul: delicate woodwork, high ceilings, tall narrow windows, and a stately staircase that whispers stories of generations past.

With seven bedrooms and four unique coal burning fireplaces spread across three floors, the Jarvis House is a study in space and character. The first floor boasts two parlors and a spacious dining room, while the upper floors offer bedrooms steeped in historic charm and versatile attic rooms awaiting your vision.

The property features three distinct covered porches, a backyard built for entertaining, and an outdoor kitchen complemented by meticulously crafted hardscaping and landscaping. Then there’s the original carriage house with the horse troughs still intact—a rare artifact in its own right, brimming with potential as a guest retreat, studio, or event space.

But the Jarvis House isn’t just about its physical beauty. Its location places it at the crossroads of history and modern living, mere steps from Mt. Rubidoux’s scenic trails, lush parks, and Downtown Riverside’s vibrant cultural scene. And with its designation as Riverside City Landmark No. 78, the home also qualifies for the Mills Act, offering significant property tax savings to its next caretaker.

Yet for all its charm, the Jarvis House holds an air of mystery. How has this home, built during a time of optimism and upheaval, remained so remarkably intact? What stories echo within its walls? And who will take up the mantle of preserving its legacy?

For those who value history, architecture, and the art of storytelling, the Jarvis House offers a rare opportunity. This isn’t just a home—it’s a piece of Riverside’s soul, waiting for its next chapter. Will you be the one to write it?

Details

Property ID
651471

7
Bedrooms

3
Bathrooms

Square Footage
4000

Lot Size
0.35

Year Built
1887

Style
Folk Victorian

Property Website