Listed at $6,750,000 by Bill Podley of Deasy Penner Podley. The deadline for offers was last week.

"I'm guessing there will be seven or eight bids. It will probably be well over the list price," Podley said." Living across the street from the Huntington is a big advantage."

Built in 1929, the mansion was designed by Wallace Neff in the Italianate Revival architectural style. However, it also has some amenities that make it feel like a luxury hotel. These include a solar-heated pool (with a cabana locker room and half bath), a north-south lighted tennis court, a motor court and a four-car garage.

Based in Southern California, Neff has designed a number of Mediterranean-style mansions, primarily in Pasadena, San Marino and Beverly Hills. Last year, a home Neff designed in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles sold for $4.1 million.

"Wallace Neff designed this house and the houses on either side of it in '29 and '30," Podley said." Wallace Neff [houses] are characterized by arches, high ceilings, lots of molding and detailing, beautiful floors and beautiful staircases. People remember him more for his Mediterranean and Spanish designs. There is a lot of interest in the house."

This enviable home boasts six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. On the first floor is a spacious entrance hall, powder room, formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room and paneled study with built-in bookcases. Also on the first floor is the kitchen, two-bedroom suite and den (with fireplace and wet bar).

On the second floor you will find the remaining bathrooms and bedrooms, including the master suite with two dressing rooms and a full bath.

The current owner has lived here since 1968 and is the third or fourth owner of this nearly 100 year old home.

The "sellers" did extensive remodeling in the early 70's. The bathrooms are pretty much original with pedestal sinks," Podley said." The kitchen was remodeled in the early '70s and has yellow Formica [countertops] and looks mid-century."

Plumbing and electrical fixtures may also need updating.

In another storybook twist, the house is owned by children's book author Martha Towles, now 101.

Who's next to move in?Podley said San Marino is one of the state's best school districts, which makes it attractive to buyers.

"Most buyers," Podley said, "will offer all cash." They may take out a loan, but they don't necessarily need one. That's typical for this price point. I expect it to sell for $1,000 per square foot or more.