Pasadena CA Real Estate

Every Thursday, real estate agents get together to preview new San Marino homes that are listed for sale.  This week, there were five San Marino homes available for preview.

You can find information about this week's San Marino homes for sale by clicking here.

Do you have $5 million dollars or more to spend on a Pasadena luxury estate?

I thought that it would be fun to showcase the available homes in Pasadena on the market right now.

Here's more information for each of these beautiful homes courtesy of ITEC (Pasadena Foothills Real Estate Association):

1. 2097 Villa Heights Road

One of Pasadena/s finest Estates. Located behind the gates of No. Kinneloa Ranch, this Custom-built Mediterranean rests on an acre of grnds & offers dramatic city & mtn vus. Excellence in design, & craftsmanship coupled w/supr quality of construction. Features incl. ceilings up to 28 ft in height, double crown & base moldings, Cherry wood cabinetry t/o, distressed Cheery HW flrs, French drs, marble, limestone, Walker Zanger tile, steel frame construction w/arched doorways, verandas, & balconies providing an Old World charm. Two semi-circular staircases lead into the dramatic entry Rotunda. The one-of-a-kind kitchen affords a 72 Viking Range in a tiled recessed alcove, two 36 Sub-Zero refrig/Freezer, plus all the culinary accoutrements. A sensational MBR suite offers two fpl's, & an oversized luxurious limestone bath. There are a 1000 s.f. of covered verandas, porches, & balconies. A pool, spa, waterfall w/Koi pond grace the beautifully appointed formal grounds. A true masterpiece!

Listed by Dickson Podley

2. 1613 Vista Lane

This gracious Colonial Revival estate, designed by Giannetti Architects and built in 2005 by Finton Construction, features all the detail one would expect from the grand mansions of Pasadena's golden era: crown molding, French doors, carved fireplaces, marble and mahogany floors, hand-painted wallpaper & paneled walls, exquisite window coverings and crystal chandeliers. A grand two-story entry with circular staircase welcomes you to this classic center hall floor plan. The first floor offers formal living and dining rooms, a family room with fireplace, a projection theatre, a gourmet kitchen with double Thermador ovens and 6 burner cooktop, Sub Zero refrigerators and a breakfast area, a downstairs bedroom with bath and an elevator. The second floor has a beautifully appointed master suite with his/her marble baths, a wood paneled library and three additional bedroom suites. A separate guest house is an additional 1148 square feet with an additional bath.

Listed by Coldwell Banker

3. 1500 Lombardy Road

With over NINE acres, this gated estate is perfect for complete privacy or holds potential for investors. It is indeed an extraordinary property which feels infinitely removed from its central urban location. The natural topography provides an ever changing experience as one traverses the property; oak shaded terraces, sun-drenched sagebrush slopes, awe inspiring vista lookouts, rolling lawns, sheltered glades, and abundant groves. The oversized pool, spa, tennis court and meandering trails compliment the extensive grounds. Floor to ceiling windows and doors with an open floor plan connect the interior to the landscape. This five bedroom, five bathroom residence, rebuilt in the 90's, is inexorably connected to its natural surroundings of unspoiled rolling hills, glorious California Live Oaks and tranquil cultivated gardens. A whimsical vintage caboose is perfect for office or playroom. Discover vestiges of Pasadena's long vanished rural past tucked away in the hills of Linda Vista.

Listed by Prudential California Realty

4. 860 Fairfield Circle

Designed by the noted architect Robert H. Ainsworth, this Mediterranean Revival home was completed in 1931. The property has been featured in several newspapers and architectural publications. Architectural Digest featured the house in 1932. In April 1933, the Architect and Engineer published a lengthy illustrative article about the house. The massive home is sited on the property like a Tuscan Villa, overlooking the terraced gardens and pool to the east. Its classic details of old-world Mediterranean architecture have been enhanced by the current owners with an incredible sense of sophistication and elegance. Grand public rooms with extensive carved wood details create a wonderful venue for formal entertaining. The grounds, designed by the noted landscape designer Rick Button, have been created with plant and tree species indigenous to the Mediterranean landscape.

Listed by Coldwell Banker

5. 1060 S. San Rafael

This is a Roland Coate treasure perched on the banks of the Arroyo in Pasadena. This grand estate has it all. The listing photos begin to tell the story, a private and confidential showing will continue the journey. Detached guest house with separate entrance. Pool Cabana, tennis court, breathtaking gardens and towering Oaks.

Listed by Steve Davies Estates

6. 2 Oak Knoll Terrace

Located in the prestigious Oak Knoll neighborhood adjacent to the Langham Huntington Hotel, (formerly the Ritz Carlton), this gated estate comprise a magnificent 12,000sf Colonial home plus a separate 23,000sf art gallery. Situated on 2.45 private acres, the stately residence, designed by renowned architects Myron Hunt & expanded by Gordon Kauffmann, features a center hall floorplan with grand public rooms, library, pub, nine large bedrooms and a finished 2000sf basement. French doors open to a wonderful terrace and backyard, inviting pool, garden pavillion & pool house. Meander along a scenic garden path and you will encounter an amazing art gallery, designed in 1973 by Ladd & Kelsey, with a 2-story domed atrium, state-of-the-art technology plus guest quarters with kitchen facilities. Transform this unique showplace into your own museum or theater. Convenient to fine dining, shopping and downtown LA, this exceptional estate in prime Pasadena awaits a special buyer's personal touch.

Listed by Coldwell Banker

READ MORE: Luxury Condos are coming to Pasadena

Pasadena Luxury Home Sales for August 2008

San Marino Luxury Home Sale for August 2008

Do you have $5 million dollars or more to spend on a Pasadena luxury estate?

I thought that it would be fun to showcase the available homes in Pasadena on the market right now.

Here's more information for each of these beautiful homes courtesy of ITEC (Pasadena Foothills Real Estate Association):

1. 2097 Villa Heights Road

One of Pasadena/s finest Estates. Located behind the gates of No. Kinneloa Ranch, this Custom-built Mediterranean rests on an acre of grnds & offers dramatic city & mtn vus. Excellence in design, & craftsmanship coupled w/supr quality of construction. Features incl. ceilings up to 28 ft in height, double crown & base moldings, Cherry wood cabinetry t/o, distressed Cheery HW flrs, French drs, marble, limestone, Walker Zanger tile, steel frame construction w/arched doorways, verandas, & balconies providing an Old World charm. Two semi-circular staircases lead into the dramatic entry Rotunda. The one-of-a-kind kitchen affords a 72 Viking Range in a tiled recessed alcove, two 36 Sub-Zero refrig/Freezer, plus all the culinary accoutrements. A sensational MBR suite offers two fpl's, & an oversized luxurious limestone bath. There are a 1000 s.f. of covered verandas, porches, & balconies. A pool, spa, waterfall w/Koi pond grace the beautifully appointed formal grounds. A true masterpiece!

Listed by Dickson Podley

2. 1613 Vista Lane

This gracious Colonial Revival estate, designed by Giannetti Architects and built in 2005 by Finton Construction, features all the detail one would expect from the grand mansions of Pasadena's golden era: crown molding, French doors, carved fireplaces, marble and mahogany floors, hand-painted wallpaper & paneled walls, exquisite window coverings and crystal chandeliers. A grand two-story entry with circular staircase welcomes you to this classic center hall floor plan. The first floor offers formal living and dining rooms, a family room with fireplace, a projection theatre, a gourmet kitchen with double Thermador ovens and 6 burner cooktop, Sub Zero refrigerators and a breakfast area, a downstairs bedroom with bath and an elevator. The second floor has a beautifully appointed master suite with his/her marble baths, a wood paneled library and three additional bedroom suites. A separate guest house is an additional 1148 square feet with an additional bath.

Listed by Coldwell Banker

3. 1500 Lombardy Road

With over NINE acres, this gated estate is perfect for complete privacy or holds potential for investors. It is indeed an extraordinary property which feels infinitely removed from its central urban location. The natural topography provides an ever changing experience as one traverses the property; oak shaded terraces, sun-drenched sagebrush slopes, awe inspiring vista lookouts, rolling lawns, sheltered glades, and abundant groves. The oversized pool, spa, tennis court and meandering trails compliment the extensive grounds. Floor to ceiling windows and doors with an open floor plan connect the interior to the landscape. This five bedroom, five bathroom residence, rebuilt in the 90's, is inexorably connected to its natural surroundings of unspoiled rolling hills, glorious California Live Oaks and tranquil cultivated gardens. A whimsical vintage caboose is perfect for office or playroom. Discover vestiges of Pasadena's long vanished rural past tucked away in the hills of Linda Vista.

Listed by Prudential California Realty

4. 860 Fairfield Circle

Designed by the noted architect Robert H. Ainsworth, this Mediterranean Revival home was completed in 1931. The property has been featured in several newspapers and architectural publications. Architectural Digest featured the house in 1932. In April 1933, the Architect and Engineer published a lengthy illustrative article about the house. The massive home is sited on the property like a Tuscan Villa, overlooking the terraced gardens and pool to the east. Its classic details of old-world Mediterranean architecture have been enhanced by the current owners with an incredible sense of sophistication and elegance. Grand public rooms with extensive carved wood details create a wonderful venue for formal entertaining. The grounds, designed by the noted landscape designer Rick Button, have been created with plant and tree species indigenous to the Mediterranean landscape.

Listed by Coldwell Banker

5. 1060 S. San Rafael

This is a Roland Coate treasure perched on the banks of the Arroyo in Pasadena. This grand estate has it all. The listing photos begin to tell the story, a private and confidential showing will continue the journey. Detached guest house with separate entrance. Pool Cabana, tennis court, breathtaking gardens and towering Oaks.

Listed by Steve Davies Estates

6. 2 Oak Knoll Terrace

Located in the prestigious Oak Knoll neighborhood adjacent to the Langham Huntington Hotel, (formerly the Ritz Carlton), this gated estate comprise a magnificent 12,000sf Colonial home plus a separate 23,000sf art gallery. Situated on 2.45 private acres, the stately residence, designed by renowned architects Myron Hunt & expanded by Gordon Kauffmann, features a center hall floorplan with grand public rooms, library, pub, nine large bedrooms and a finished 2000sf basement. French doors open to a wonderful terrace and backyard, inviting pool, garden pavillion & pool house. Meander along a scenic garden path and you will encounter an amazing art gallery, designed in 1973 by Ladd & Kelsey, with a 2-story domed atrium, state-of-the-art technology plus guest quarters with kitchen facilities. Transform this unique showplace into your own museum or theater. Convenient to fine dining, shopping and downtown LA, this exceptional estate in prime Pasadena awaits a special buyer's personal touch.

Listed by Coldwell Banker

READ MORE: Luxury Condos are coming to Pasadena

Pasadena Luxury Home Sales for August 2008

San Marino Luxury Home Sale for August 2008

If you are looking to buy a home in Altadena, take a look at this gorgeous modern mid-century home that just came on the real estate market today.  Built in 1948, it is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1,740 sq. ft and sits on a lot over 7,279 sq. ft. per Assessor.

This serene mid-century modern designed by Gregory Ain as part of his Park Planned Homes has been updated as Ain would have wanted.  Every room has a view to the yard or courtyard with water features in both.  Custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, backsplash, and farmhouse sink in kitchen.  Cork floors in all rooms except baths.  Both baths were redone including custom glass tile work.  All systems replaced (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), new insulation in roof and exterior walls, new roof and recessed lighting throughout.  Windows and doors were replaced in much of the house.  Third bedroom was expanded by 400 sq ft. in the 50's at which time the closet was removed.  Award winning landscaping, exterior stainless steel flashing and brushed nickel hardware complete the home's midcentury appeal.

This Altadena home is listed for sale at $729,000.

Update:  October 7, 2008 - this home has been withdrawn from the market.

South Lake Avenue in Pasadena stretches from Coroado Boulevard at its northernmost end and winds all the way through Shoppers Lane before culminating at California Boulevard. There's no longer a real lake near this 10 block shopping district packed with hndreds of shops, restaurants and offices. The lake dried up long ago.

South Lake Avenue's rich shopping heritage was born in the late 1940s with a department store built to look and feel like a country club. Bullocks, now Macy's (currently under construction though December 2008) became the foundation of South Lake Avenue's reputation as a cosmopolitan shopping destination. More department stores followed, making the area one of Pasadena's finest shopping districts.

Today, antique English phone booths complete the district's European ambiance, where shoppers sample fresh lunch cuisine at the various open air eateries. Shopping boutiques, European-style patio cafes and upscale business lofts polish off the chic setting.

Stores on South Lake Avenue run the gamut. Mall-shopping big names like Macy's and Borders complement niche stores like Anthropologie and Rangoni Firenze Soes, where shoppers can find high-end Italian footwear. The food here is the same way: familiar favorites like Coffee & Lea Leaf, Starbucks and Pete's Coffee rub elbows with lesser-known but still delicious locales such as teh original Corcodile Cafe and the Rose Tea Cottage, Pasadena's first English Tea House.

South Lake Avenue Pasadena real estate has been doing extremely well. The luxurious condo complexes like The Prado, Pasadena Collection and the newly built exclusive residences at The Granite Park have been in demand by investors, corporate housing and consumers looking for a car-free urban living.

If you are ready to start your Pasadena home search, this website offers FREE MLS access and Pasadena real estate market reports to help you with your research. Of course, please do not hesitate to call Irina at 626.627.7107 for personal assistance in finding the right home for you.

General description gathered from Pasadena Official Visitors Guide 2007/2008.

READ MORE: South Lake District - Luxury Residences: Granite Park