
Orange, California 92866
This 1918 Craftsman Residence is a high-character asset listed at $1,149,000, positioned alongside its $1,090,295 Fair Market Value. Located in the heart of the Old Towne Orange Historic District, the property maintains a Fair Condition Rating, offering original charm that invites interior modernization and floor refinishing. The oversized 6,900 SF lot provides ample ADU potential, while potential Mills Act qualification offers significant long-term property tax savings. Just blocks from Chapman University and the Orange Circle, this home is perfectly suited for Owner-Occupants or first-time buyers seeking a value-add historic lifestyle.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 637 E Van Bibber Subject | $1,149,000* List Price | 3 | 2 | 1,070 | $1,019 | - |
A 315 315 E Washington Sold | $1,035,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,168 | $886 | 0.2 mi |
B 333 N Pine Sold | $1,040,000 | 2 | 1 | 894 | $1,163 | 0.6 mi |
C 313 313 E Palmyra Sold | $1,460,000 | 3 | 3 | 1,228 | $1,189 | 0.2 mi |
D 316 N Shattuck Place Sold | $1,040,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,312 | $793 | 0.8 mi |
E 633 S Glassell Street Sold | $820,000 | 2 | 1 | 765 | $1,072 | 0.5 mi |
F 310 N Waverly Sold | $825,000 | 2 | 1 | 824 | $1,001 | 0.6 mi |
G 1314 E Chapman Pending | $1,075,000 List Price | 4 | 1 | 1,339 | $803 | 0.5 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is moderate renovation needed.
This 1918 Craftsman is well-maintained and retains its historic charm, but it falls into the 'fair' category due to several outdated interior elements. The kitchen features older white cabinetry, dated laminate countertops, and basic appliances that lack modern appeal. While the bathroom has been partially updated with a newer double vanity, the original hardwood floors throughout the living areas show significant wear, scuffing, and staining that require refinishing. The property is functional and livable but requires cosmetic updates to meet modern standards.
Situated in the heart of the Old Towne Orange Historic District, the property is within a six-block walk to the Orange Circle and Chapman University, offering exceptional walkability and a vibrant community atmosphere.
The property may qualify for the Mills Act, providing significant property tax savings, and features a generous 6,900 sqft lot that offers ample room for a potential ADU to increase value.
This 1918 Craftsman home retains its original charm and rich local history, providing a rare opportunity to own a piece of Orange’s heritage in a well-preserved neighborhood.
With only 1,070 square feet of living area for a three-bedroom configuration, the interior may feel cramped and lacks the spaciousness found in more modern residential layouts.
Being part of a historic district and a candidate for the Mills Act means owners must adhere to strict preservation guidelines, which can limit renovation flexibility and increase maintenance costs.
637 E. Van Bibber is about a six-block walk to the Orange Circle. And it’s a good one. You pass homes that have stood for generations—mature trees, front porches, streets that haven’t changed much over time. It doesn’t feel like typical Orange County; it feels older than that. This 1918 Craftsman sits right in the heart of it. When it was built, this area was still transitioning from its orchard days. Land in this neighborhood traces back to early Orange families, including Captain Andrew Harrington Bibber, a Civil War veteran whose name still echoes in the area today. There’s also a long-standing story that this house may have started as a piano studio for Captain Bibber’s daughter—back when this was quiet farmland, and sounds traveled farther. Today, it’s part of the Old Towne Orange Historic District—a neighborhood that has preserved its original charm in a way that’s becoming rare. Life here is simple. Walk to the circle for coffee, grab dinner at Gabby’s, or enjoy breakfast at Snooze on weekends. Chapman University is just a few blocks away, bringing energy without disrupting the neighborhood's feel. The property might also qualify for the Mills Act, potentially providing property tax savings for owners who maintain its historic character. And with a lot this size, there’s plenty of room to consider an ADU for extra flexibility or long-term value.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 2.0 | 2.0 | 50% |
| Square foot | 1,070 | 1,648 | 26% |
| Lot Size | 6,900 | 7,060 | 48% |
| Price | $1.15M | $1.23M | 44% |
| Price per sq ft | $1.1K | $796 | 85% |
| Built year | 1918 | 1955 | 22% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 0 | 175 | 7% |
Apr 15, 2026
$1,149,000
Initial Listing
Apr 13, 2026
$1,075,000
Initial Listing
Jan 26, 2023
$860,000
Public Record
Jul 29, 1998
$209,000
Public Record