Historic Haven: Navigating Pasadena’s Architectural Gems

With over 100 properties listed on the National Historic Register, the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena is a historian’s dream. Each of the iconic Pasadena residences has its distinct charm and style. This diversity contributes to the city’s reputation of having some of the most varied collections of homes in southern California. To give you a taste of how classic these residences are, this article provides insight into some of the most famous Pasadena historic homes. Read on!

The Gamble House

American artisans Charles and Henry Greene designed and built the Pasadena Gamble House in 1909. The house, originally intended to house James Gamble’s son, the founder of Proctor & Gamble, is no longer a private dwelling. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark, and is accessible for public tours.

Greene’s love of nature may have inspired the design of the house. The different construction elements, such as stucco, brick, and stone, merge perfectly with the creeping fig and natural river rock. The interior rooms constitute various types of wood, giving them a sophisticated look from the past. Since outdoor areas were not as fashionable back then, this property’s surroundings are lush and nicely landscaped.

Milliard House

Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright completed The Milliard House in 1923. This home was built for Alice Millard, and immediately became renowned as one of Pasadena’s most unique mansions.

The Pasadena Millard House is a 2,400-square-foot house constructed with blocks. What it lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in personality. A break from the earlier designs that made Frank famous, the block homes he constructed in the 1920s serve as a reminder of his adaptability and distinctive craftsmanship style.

The Blacker House

Henry and Charles Greene built The Blacker House for Robert and Nellie Blacker in 1907. This custom-built property originally featured lavish interior woodwork and elaborate inlays that rivaled other luxury residences of the time.

A former owner of the Blacker House removed most of the original woodwork and fittings at some time in the late 20th century and sold them to collectors. However, the property has enjoyed better care since then. In fact, the current owners have worked hard to restore the home’s original beauty.

The Cordelia A. Culbertson House

The Cordelia A. Culbertson House

The Cordelia A. Culbertson House is a mansion that commands all the attention in what could be considered Charles and Henry Greene’s architectural masterwork. The U-shaped mansion was erected in 1913 for the sister of an Illinois industrialist who had a relationship with the Greenes.

This home features an architectural design encompassing more than 8,500 square feet of living area and rests on a lot larger than 30,000 square feet. There are 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, each with its distinct flair. The main level has a ballroom, implying that the original owners had upscale entertainment in mind when designing the property, a feature common in many homes for sale in Pasadena today.

Ready to Buy Your Own Historical Estate? Contact Laurie Turner

Are you thinking about buying a historical Pasadena real estate? If so, you will benefit from the guidance of a real estate agent with expertise in this market niche. Leveraging her more than 30 years of experience in the local market, Laurie Turner will walk you through every step of the home-buying journey to ensure you secure the very best! Make a call today to explore the luxury homes for sale in Pasadena.