In Part VI in an ongoing series showcasing some of the oldest homes in Hermosa Beach, The Beach Reporter this week examines the history of three houses with very distinct architectural styles, all built in the early 1900s.

As the third owner of 2204 Monterey Blvd., Marsha Majka purchased the house in 1979. She bought it from the Russell family 10 years after she first migrated to Hermosa Beach from Orange County.

“I came here to work for the airlines,” she said. “I love the hardwood floors and I have an unobstructed view that can never be blocked because of the curb on the street.”

Majka’s home is a three-bedroom, one-story, Cape Cod-style beach cottage. It also features large living and dining rooms, a sunroom, a small kitchen and one bathroom. Before Majka bought the house, the previous owners remodeled part of it by adding bedrooms. Majka has spent time restoring it.

“I think this lot is larger than normal being that it’s on a corner and I have gardens on either side,” added Majka.

According to Patricia Gazin’s “Castles on the Sand,” owner and builder S.S. Kidder built the house in 1913 for $1,000.

“Built to follow the natural contour of the hill, the house includes a semi-basement and low attic,” writes Gazin. “Owners Mr. and Mrs. Ben Russell, who purchased in 1975, found a secret niche in a bedroom wall which had been papered over in alterations by an earlier owner. No souvenirs were uncovered, however.”

The owner of 1414 Manhattan Ave. who wishes to remain anonymous, rents out the bottom and top levels of this three-story house built shortly before 1913. The house is now used as two separate living units.

According to “Castles on the Sand,” the house was originally used as a summer home. The structure comes equipped with a living and dining room, three bedrooms, sun porches and a basement. Dea Dolan bought the house in 1969 from the late Claude Thrift, a former Los Angeles attorney. The original owner is thought to be Peggy Lamoreau.

According to “Castles on the Sand,” 1602 The Strand was custom built in 1928 for Theodore C. Prouty. John MacCready, a well-known local contractor, built the house. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lotz bought the property in 1942.