Take a Look at the Gorgeous Dodson Craftsman from ‘Perry Mason’

In the episode “Chapter 2,” a very brief glimpse of the three dwellings situated across the street from the Dodsons’ place is visible. Using Street View, I once again headed down both Los Robles and Madison, this time on the lookout for those three homes. After just a few minutes, I came across them on Madison, just south of Herbert Street, in Pasadena’s Orange Heights neighborhood.

With bated breath, I turned Google’s little yellow man around and the Dodsons’ Craftsman, at 959 North Madison, came right into view! With its pitched roof, window grills, and hardy front door, the gorgeous property is like a perfectly preserved slice of early California Craftsman architecture (though the flamingos out front seem a bit off-brand). And it boasts quite a pedigree!

The 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,550-square-foot residence was constructed in 1910 by D.M. Renton, a prolific Pasadena builder who was responsible for numerous Craftsman homes in Crown City, including more than 36 in Orange Heights alone! A construction job at William Wrigley Jr.’s Orange Grove mansion (now known as the Tournament House) led to Renton’s most famous commission when the chewing gum tycoon pegged him to head up the development of his latest purchase, Santa Catalina Island. Working as the vice president and general manager of the Santa Catalina Island Company, Renton was instrumental in transforming the island, overseeing the construction of roads, houses, hotels, the Bird Park, and the world-famous round Casino. He also designed Wrigley’s private home, now the Mt Ada hotel, as well as the Wrigley Memorial. Though much lesser-known, 959 N. Madison is still no doubt one of the accomplished architect’s crowning achievements.

Though the residence is featured numerous times on “Perry Mason,” the only real shot audiences are given of the exterior is a tight view of the porch in “Chapter 2” when Perry storms into the home to confront Emily about her affair with George Gannon (Aaron Stanford). The limited coverage is rather surprising being that it is such a handsome house and considering that most of the series’ other locales are shown in their full glory, including the McKeegan mansion, which is located about four miles south.

The production team apparently wanted to highlight the interior, instead, which they did to spectacular effect. The inside of the Dodson residence is stunning – and just as impressive in real life as it appeared onscreen. It seemed to really resonate with audiences, too, because before I had even seen one episode of “Perry Mason” (I was admittedly a little late to the game), I had people writing to me asking for intel on the place. In fact, it’s been one of my most requested locations as of late! One look at the place and it is understandable why.

With wood features galore, including lustrous built-ins, casement windows, beamed ceilings, and crown moldings, the interior is a Craftsman lover’s dream! I could, however, do without the old-fashioned dentist chair in the living room! Shudder!

Craftsman houses are dark by nature, but with carefully orchestrated lighting and cinematography, the Dodson residence was made to appear extra dim and shadowy, which only added to the macabre nature of the couple’s tragic storyline.

One element that didn’t quite match up to its onscreen counterpart? The location of the Trotter residence. Shown to be next door to the Dodson home on the series, it is actually situated around the corner on Herbert Street.

Though it does sit adjacent to the Dodson home, as was purported on “Perry Mason,” it actually abuts the back of the property, not the side. The spot where Mrs. Trotter spies on Emily’s many phone calls with George can be found at the rear of the house, looking much as it did on TV (though the angle of the MLS image above is a bit off).

Mrs. Trotter’s house has an interesting history, as well. The 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow, which you can see interior photos of here, was initially constructed circa 1910 and is located a few miles away in South Pasadena. Per a National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, it was moved – yes, picked up and moved! – to its current location in 1981.

Surprisingly, relocation isn’t all that uncommon with historic L.A. homes, many of which have later wound up onscreen. Just a few famous pads that have been moved include the Parsons House from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the Beaudry House from “A Lot Like Love,” the Century House from “Halloween,” the Tillapaugh House from “Picket Fences,” the Weller Residence from “Castle,” and the Higgins/Verbeck/Hirsch Mansion from “Willard.”  All of the homes at Heritage Square Museum are transports, as well, and have appeared in everything from “Saving Mr. Banks” to “Legally Blonde.” Relocation, it seems, brings luck when it comes to show business!

Until next time, Happy Stalking! 🙂

Stalk It: The Dodson house from “Perry Mason” is located at 959 North Madison Avenue in Pasadena. The Trotter residence, supposedly next door, can be found around the corner at 548 Herbert Street. Disclaimer: Please remember these are private homes. Do not trespass or bother the residents or the properties in any way.

For more Dirt on the Dodson house, click back to the main page.