Last month, the highest-priced luxury Pasadena home sale was 488 S. Rafael Ave. in the 91105 zip code. This architectural home sold for $7,300,000 to a cash buyer. The sellers purchased the home in July of 2012 for $5,330,000. At that time, the MLS remarks read: Prominently situated on the west bank of the Arroyo Seco, this palatial villa is reminiscent of Southern Europe and is an inspiring example of the renowned Southern California architectural firm Marston, Van Pelt, and Maybury. Perfect for entertaining, this home features a U-shaped plan with central courtyard and boasts a grand reception hall, elegant circular study, magnificent living room, gracious formal dining room with an arched picture window showcasing views of the San Gabriel Mountains, 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths and a basement with rumpus room, various storage rooms, and a walk-in safe. The lushly landscaped grounds encompass 2.15 acres and include a motor court, several patios, a sparkling pool, breathtaking vistas, and garden paths perfect for strolling on a warm summer evening. This amazing estate has a guest cottage that adjoins the detached 3-car garage. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an important piece of Pasadena’s architectural heritage.
Marston Van Pelt
This Pasadena home was listed in November of 2016 at $7,995,000 for 148 days without selling.
MLS remarks from this expired listing read: Designed by the renowned Southern CA architectural firm of Marston, Van Pelt & Maybury, this stunning Italian Revival estate is prominently sited high on the West bank of the Arroyo Seco, offering panoramic views of the Colorado Street bridge, Federal Court House with a San Gabriel mountains backdrop! A fifty-foot gallery reception hall welcomes you to incredible high ceilings and rooms of enormous scale. Batchelder tile flooring and expansive hardwood floors lead you to rooms of floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors to surrounding patios and gardens. The reception hall leads to an intimate courtyard and loggia, connecting the North and South wings of the residence. Walnut coffered ceilings are featured in both the massive living room and dining room. The library features a masterfully carved, corner cast stone fireplace, dramatic arched windows and built-in bookcases. The dining room offers dramatic Arroyo views through high-arched windows and an intricately carved fireplace mantel. The main staircase features cast stone Italian Revival columns and recessed arched leaded windows lead you to the private bedroom suites on the second level. The lower level has the flexibility of being an extend family quarters with kitchen, fireplace and entrance.
This luxury home was relisted February 2017, at $6,998,000 and sold for $7,300,000 cash.
