An Heir’s Vision of Security

The Singer Mansion is notable for its secret doors and other features designed for its original owner to protect his family in case of a kidnap attempt similar to the one that resulted in the death of Charles Lindbergh’s son.

About this house: Built in about 1934 by A.K. Bourne, heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune, the home was linked at one time to another house on the property by an underground tunnel, and it has secret doors, one leading to the wine cellar. Franciscan friars bought the property in 1985 and turned it into St. Anthony’s Friary. The Colonial-style house, on subdivided property, was purchased three years ago by a private family, which then renovated it.

Asking price: $998,000

Size: 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths in 7,898 square feet

Features: Library with hand-carved accents and marble fireplace; remodeled kitchen; butler’s pantry; master suite with two fireplaces, sitting and meditation rooms; 2,800-square-foot basement with English-style pub, wine cellar, media room, gym; 1,800-square-foot guest house with three bedrooms and four baths; 718-square-foot guest/staff quarters with two bedrooms and one bath; storage rooms and meat locker; attached garage with porte-cochere, and a carport for six cars.

Where: The house is on 1.6 acres, behind gates, at 820 N. Verano Drive, Glendora.

Listing agents: Geoff T. Hamill and Judy Karmon of Coldwell Banker Previews, Claremont; (626) 967-3921