Retreat in the woods
It took two years to complete the restoration work on this Craftsman-style house, built in 1908 in Pasadena.
Among the challenges was the refinishing of exotic woods prevalent throughout the house. “On entering the house from the front,” the Pasadena Star reported in 1910, “one steps into a beautiful reception hall, in the rear of which are located the grand stairway, beautifully finished in solid oak, mahogany and white enamel.”
The two-story home was built on spec for George W. Stimson, father of G. Lawrence Stimson, a noted architect. The Stimsons collaborated on the design and construction of many houses in the Pasadena area, including the home on Orange Grove Boulevard that later became the headquarters for the Tournament of Roses.
This house cost $20,000 to build, according to the research of Tim Gregory, a Pasadena-based building biographer. The average house could be built then for about $2,000.
About this house: George Stimson never lived in the residence, but sold it to Henry and Fannie Thomson of New York City. They spent winters in Pasadena, like many wealthy Easterners, even before buying the house. Henry died in 1920, but Fannie lived there for 58 more years. She died at 97.
Neighbors still recall parties at the house, featuring a string quartet playing on the landing.
Asking price: $2.65 million
Size: There are seven bedrooms and five bathrooms in about 6,200 square feet. The lot size is 21,129 square feet.
Features: Public rooms are grand in scale, some with beamed ceilings. The home also has built-in bookcases, murals, hardwood floors and French doors. Bathrooms have original tiles and some period fixtures. The kitchen was updated but has period-style cabinetry. A wisteria-covered arbor is off the dining room.
Where: Pasadena
Listing agent: Darrell Done, Coldwell Banker, Previews Estates director, Pasadena, (626) 844-2255.
To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, please send interior and exterior photographs on a CD with caption information and a description of the house, including what makes the property unusual, to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, or e-mail homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
