An experienced Pasadena real estate agent constantly studies the market to stay up to date and prepared to guide clients effectively. Last month, 1230 S Oakland Ave in Pasadena claimed the title of the city’s most expensive home sold in May 2026. Listed in January of this year for $12,000,000 and sold in fifty-eight days for $10,700,000.
Marketing for 1230 S Oakland, Pasadena:
Known as Knollcrest, the Charles A. Goodyear House stands as one of Pasadena’s most remarkable landmark estates. Architect G. Lawrence Stimson, best known for designing the Wrigley Mansion, completed the residence in 1913 for lumber magnate Charles Goodyear and his wife, Henrietta.
Situated on 2.5 acres encompassing Lots 18 and 19 of the original Oak Knoll subdivision, the estate occupies a gentle rise overlooking an expansive front lawn. Consequently, its elevated setting inspired the name “Knollcrest,” a title the property proudly carries today.
To showcase the Goodyears’ extensive collection of custom furnishings and artifacts, Stimson designed the residence with fire-resistant construction throughout. Additionally, original wrought-iron gates frame an impressive 330 feet of frontage along Oakland Avenue. Beyond the gates, a circular driveway welcomes visitors to the porte-cochere, while a rare secondary driveway with an automatic gate provides easy access from Allendale Road.
Inside, Stimson’s exceptional craftsmanship remains evident at every turn. The main residence features mahogany-paneled public rooms with soaring 10-foot ceilings, while the upper-level bedrooms boast 9-foot ceilings. Furthermore, hand-carved moldings, marble flooring, and a dramatic marble staircase create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The living room showcases beautifully restored Caucasian walnut floors accented with ebony inlay.
Throughout the home, much of the original woodwork and artisan-crafted cabinetry remains intact and exceptionally preserved. In total, the residence offers three levels of living space, complemented by additional attic space above.
Adjacent to the main house, a recently updated guest house includes a full kitchen and bathroom. Nearby, the garage also features a bathroom and sits conveniently beside the pool area. Altogether, the estate provides 8,713 square feet of living space across all structures, in addition to 5,087 square feet dedicated to garage and storage areas.
Over the years, several distinguished owners have stewarded the property. Following the Goodyear family, U.S. Steel President Thomas Cole and department store heir and philanthropist Samuel Robinson each called Knollcrest home. The current owner purchased the estate in 1966. Just two years later, Pasadena selected Knollcrest as the Fourth Pasadena Showcase House. Since then, filmmakers have featured the estate in numerous motion pictures, further enhancing its legacy.
Today, Knollcrest ranks among Pasadena’s most significant historic estates. Its distinguished architecture, rich history, commanding setting, and remarkably preserved acreage continue to set it apart. Moreover, because the property came to market for the first time in six decades, it presented a rare opportunity to acquire and preserve an important piece of Pasadena and Los Angeles history for future generations.
