A slice of architectural history awaits its next custodian in a picturesque enclave nestled amid the San Gabriel Mountains. Wallace Neff, the visionary architect renowned for shaping Southern California’s residential landscape, crafted a timeless masterpiece back in the late 1920s. Now, after gracing the same family for over half a century, this Spanish Colonial Revival–style estate emerges onto the market in Pasadena, captivating discerning buyers with its charm and legacy.
Originally commissioned by Charles H. Thorne, an early leader of Montgomery Ward and esteemed trustee of Occidental College, alongside his wife Belle, the residence stands as a testament to Neff’s enduring legacy. Situated in the prestigious Los Altos neighbourhood, this residence exudes elegance and refinement, poised on a private lane a mere step away from the exclusive Annandale Golf Club.
Approaching the blush-hued stucco façade, guests are welcomed by a grand circular driveway framed by verdant foliage. Ornate double glass doors usher visitors into a verdant oasis—a grassy central courtyard reminiscent of the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, adorned with a tiered fountain and blossoming bougainvillea-draped arcades.
Stepping inside, guests are enveloped in a symphony of meticulously restored architectural details. The main residence spans over 9,000 square feet of multilevel living space, boasting eight bedrooms and ten bathrooms adorned with refinished wood floors, intricate ironwork, and mosaic tile accents. A separate two-bedroom guest apartment, perched above a spacious four-car garage, offers additional accommodation.
The heart of the home unfolds in the expansive living room, where a soaring wood-beamed ceiling crowns a space warmed by a walk-in fireplace and bathed in natural light streaming through arched windows. A formal dining room, a library adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a gourmet kitchen equipped with top-tier appliances and a wine cooler–equipped butler’s pantry beckon residents to indulge in refined living.
Upstairs, two primary bedrooms await, each boasting en-suite bathrooms and one adorned with a cosy corner fireplace. A sizable storage basement provides practical utility, while the outdoor grounds beckon with lush Italian stone pines and inviting spaces for al fresco gatherings and culinary delights.
Listing agent Carol Chua of Coldwell Banker Realty describes the residence as a “lavish and stunning architectural gem,” meticulously preserved and poised to enchant its next owner. With its rich history and potential eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, this home stands as a testament to Neff’s vision—a timeless sanctuary awaiting its next chapter in the annals of Southern California living.
As the estate enters the market with a price tag of $10.8 million, it presents a rare opportunity for discerning buyers to claim a piece of architectural history and immerse themselves in the unparalleled allure of Wallace Neff and his enduring legacy.