HISTORIC HIGHLANDS
In late 2007, city of Pasadena has unanimously approved Historic Highlands as a Landmark Distirct. It’s about time since this area has some of the most beautiful craftsman homes in Pasadena.
Historic Highlands Neighborhood website has this to share about the Historic Highlands history:
What is known today as the Historic Highlands encompasses the estates and land holdings of two prominent Pasadena pioneers: David MacPherson, former Santa Fe Railroad design engineer of the famed Mt. Lowe railroad; Ezra Dane, an orchardist who settled here in 1883.
Ezra Dane crossed the plains from Massachusetts sometime between 1849 and 1852 and settled in Sonora County in Northern California where he became a prosperous farmer. Driven from the area by an out break of malaria in the early 1880′s, he moved his family to Pasadena in 1883 where he purchased 160 acres in the San Pasqual Rancho area, known as “the place where every tree is pleasant to the sight and good for food” and began planting orchards.
In 1885, Dane and his wife Lois built their substantial ranch home from the first lumber brought to Pasadena by steam locomotive. From the house known for many years as “Sunnyridge on the Highlands”, Dane oversaw orchard and livestock operations on his land, which stretched north from Washington to Woodbury Road and east from Holliston to a point midway between modern day Mar Vista and Catalina. He grew peaches, apricots, prunes and citrus, and raised some livestock – including about a hundred hogs – on Elizabeth Street. A driveway from Washington to his home was lined with a double row of palm trees still visible in the backyards of homes between Michigan and Chester.
As Pasadena grew north and east, homes were being built all around the ranch so the Danes began selling their land a parcel at a time. In 1912, they subdivided the land
immediately adjacent to the ranch house, creating building lots on Holliston, Chester, Michigan, Mar Vista, Denver (now Howard) and Rio Grande. The lots were sold to
members of Pasadena’s prosperous business and professional class who had substantial homes custom built on the large lots during the ensuing decades. Ezra and Lois Dane
lived in the home until their deaths in the early 1920′s. Their daughter Alice and later her grandson and his family lived in the home.
MacPherson owned much of the land bordered by New York Drive on the north and Washington Blvd. on the south, in what is now the western part of the neighborhood. The east/west streets were given names of the railroads: Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe (now Elizabeth), Denver (now Howard), and Rio Grand. The names Catalina and MarVista acknowledge the great view of the ocean at that time. MacPherson built a home at 1075 Topeka in 1906 and was living at 1120 Atchison at the time of his death.
MacPherson teamed with famous entrepreneur Thaddeus Lowe to design and build the Echo Mountain Incline Railway which made its first official trip on July 4th, 1893.
Four million visitors enjoyed the breathtaking views and fresh mountain air for more than 40 years until the railway stopped operating in 1937.
READ MORE: Everything You Wanted to Know about Pasadena Neighborhoods
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES:
An example of a craftsman in Historic Highlands at 1506 Holliston above.
The earliest architectural style represented in Pasadena is Victorian, but Pasadena is mostly associated with the Craftsman style. Many significant local architects introduced Period and Revival style homes which were well received by cosmopolitan residents. The Prairie style might be attributed to emigrants from the Midwest. Indeed, the Prairie style home is quite at home next to the California Bungalow. Both share honest craftsmanship and find inspiration in the simplicity and beauty of nature. True to the craftsman ethic of using locally found materials, locally grown oak and Douglas fir are used throughout the homes in Historic Highlands, as well as art tile from Southern California’s artisan community. River rock has commonly been used for foundations and chimneys, and likely came from the Arroyo Seco. Craftsman and Prairie homes were reactions to the industrialization and heavy, non-functional ornamentation of Victorians.
The architectural details in the homes of Historic Highlands find inspiration from all over the world. Influential local architects Greene & Greene were inspired by the Japonaiserie movement when they visited the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. In the 1920′s, American architecture was influenced by both European and early American architecture. Not necessarily faithful reproductions, Period revival homes liberally borrowed attractive or romanticized elements. The European flair of Period revival homes suggested the culture and prestige of its residents. Furthermore, in Southern California, Period revival movements represent a reaction against the dark organic interiors of the Craftsman style in favor of brightly lit and open rooms. Colonial revival reflects national pride and became popular following the country’s 1876 Centennial. Similarly, the Mission revival style recognizes early California’s cultural heritage and was popularized following the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego in 1915.
Today Historic Highlands is a combination of many different architectural styles and cultures.
The Historic Highlands Neighborhood straddles the borders of Pasadena and Altadena, situated between New York Blvd. on the North, Washington Blvd. on the South, Lake Ave. on the West, and Hill Ave. on the East.
Interested in more information about Greater Pasadena Area cities, check out our City Guides below:
And, if you are interested in fun activities to do, take a look at our 365 Things To Do in Pasadena™ page.
Thinking of selling your home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your single family home, condo or investment property? Then call Irina Netchaev at (626) 629-8439 to discuss what is happening in today’s Southern California Real Estate Market.
- Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:38:00 +0000: $599,000 :: 1045 North Catalina Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Pasadena Craftsman Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 full baths
Home size: 1,709 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,600 sq ft
Added: 01/18/12, Last Updated: 02/06/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 22160469
Community: Pasadena Ne
The price of this listing was last reduced on 2/6/2012 by 8%
Huge addition nearly doubled the size of this home in 2003/04 (architectural plans, secure,private rear yard through electronic gate off McDowell, a city street that is platted), possible small RV parking area. Master suite + bath,double sinks, vaulted ceilings, a rare find in BH, 2 FPs, one double sided in the master suite/bath.Nice street in Bungalow Heaven yet tucked away on a huge lot. The front yard is graced by a mature, drought tolerant garden, resplendant each spring. There is further commitment to 'green' with tankless hot water heaters. fruit trees in the back yard...WAIT that's not all. There is an oversized garage at the rear of the dwelling with attic storage and work bench area. Too many toys, there is a second double garage at the rear of the lot. Lots of storage in this 1930's home, including beautiful hardwood floors. The master bedroom walk-in closet is adjacent to a spacious laundry room with lots of storage. Gorgeous tree lined street. SHORT SALE
Listed with Sandra Myklebust, Prudential California Realty
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000: $579,000 :: 1178 North Sierra Bonita Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Pasadena Craftsman Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Home size: 1,540 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,500 sq ft
Added: 02/03/12, Last Updated: 02/06/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 22161054
Community: Pasadena Ne
This charming Craftsman Bungalow on the eve of its 100th birthday will please any aficionado with its authentic details. The home was remodeled and expanded in 2004 with no expense spared, providing the owner with a new expansive gourmet kitchen and master bedroom suite. The fully enclosed, flat backyard with grassy play area also boasts a 2 car garage built in 2004 and a 200 square foot detached bonus room that can be an office, exercise room or studio. This delightful home includes a California basement, whole house security, central air/heat, ceiling fans, double pane wood frame windows in the addition, and partial upgraded electric. Situated in a quiet NE Pasadena neighborhood with sidewalks, mature shade trees and old style street lights, it is also conveniently located near shopping, freeways, San Gabriel Mountains hiking trails trails and the best home made ice cream place in all of Pasadena! What's not to like!
Listed with Cheyenne Wilbur, Podley Properties
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:43:00 +0000: $364,900 :: 609 East Claremont Street, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Pasadena Craftsman Homes for Sale
2 beds, 0 baths
Home size: 1,116 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,282 sq ft
Added: 02/06/12, Last Updated: 02/06/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 22161165
Community: Pasadena Ne
Purchase this HomePath property with HomePath Financing with as little as 3% downs and Enjoy the beautiful wrap-around porch of this original Craftsman home which sits majestically atop a grassy knoll on a large lot. The beauty and warmth only increase once you step into the beautiful living room boasting a gorgeous fireplace framed by two exquisite built-in bookshelves. The dining area flaunts the craftsmanship of a built-in wall unit which extends wall to wall. This 2 bedroom home also features 1 bath which is accentuated by a cast iron claw tub. Hardwood floors and French doors are but a few of the additional details of this gorgeous home. Welcome Home!
Listed with Antonino Moschella, Dilbeck Real Estate
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:52:00 +0000: $499,000 :: 1275 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Pasadena Craftsman Homes for Sale
2 beds, 1 full bath
Home size: 1,118 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,525 sq ft
Added: 02/03/12, Last Updated: 02/06/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 22161055
Community: Pasadena Ne
This picture perfect 1914 Craftsman Bungalow sits in the beautiful and prestigious Bungalow Heaven Historic Landmark District. Past owners ensured this piece of Pasadena history retained all its original charm during a remodel in 2000-from the wrap around porch, river rock chimney, exposed rafter tails, and gable roof, to the pocket doors, picture rails, built in cabinets and meticulously landscaped front yard, this home reflects both the charm of a traditional Craftsman residence and the appeal of updated luxury. A den adjacent to the second bedroom could be a nursery or 3rd bedroom. Great for entertaining with open floor plan, flagstone patio, and peaceful outdoor sitting areas. The remodel included updated electric, copper plumbing, security system, refinished hardwood floors in the bedrooms and bath, new central air/heat, automatic sprinklers, and new period light fixtures throughout the house. There's also an oversized 2-car detached garage and a large,flat, enclosed yard.
Listed with Cheyenne Wilbur, Podley Properties
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000: $679,000 :: 1680 Casa Grande Street, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Pasadena Craftsman Homes for Sale
5 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
Home size: 2,584 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,400 sq ft
Added: 06/13/11, Last Updated: 02/06/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 22153104
Community: Pasadena Ne
The price of this listing was last reduced on 2/6/2012 by 3%
Large two story country home on a deep lot in a desirable neighborhood. 4 big upstairs bedrooms with walk-in closets, a large linen closet, long spacious hallway with banister railing overlook the wide stairway. 2 full bathrooms, 1 located on each floor. The large country kitchen has plenty of deep cabinet space and drawers for storage. The inviting entryway expands to a conversation area at rear of the living room with a beautiful solid oak walk-to-wall arrangement of closets, cabinets, glass curios and drawers. The closet is designed for coat storage. The large living room with hardwood floor flows into a kitchen nook with beautiful wood mantled fireplace. An adjacent sun room with closet can easily be used as a first floor fifth bedroom, an office or a playroom. Nicely shaded wide front and back porches extend the full width of the house and are great for cookouts, picnics & get-togethers. The house is attractive from the street with a large front yard and wide curved sidewalk.
Listed with Pete Whan, Keller Williams Realty
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!
