There is a saying in Los Angeles (and probably other cities as well) that we don’t respect history and we tear everything down. What is interesting is that often someone will buy an old historic home, fall in love with it and spend the rest of their lives and money to restore and lovingly care for it.
Such is this beautiful home in the Pasadena area. A Tudor revival built in 1927. Sitting on ten acres of gardens. It is a real treat to visit, to meet the owners who are pouring heart and soul into this gem.
They have added new buildings on the property and yet have been able to find craftsmen to do the same kind of top notch work as was done almost 100 years ago. Sure, it took very wealthy men to build these homes in the first place, but I’m thinking that labor was much cheaper – even the kind that did the incredible detail work.
Old tools are collected and often used in making new design elements.
Like these wonderful corbels in the modern workshop.
A look at the French doors from the outside.
And from inside looking out to the folly. Yes, every Tudor home needs one.
From exterior attention to details, like this 45 degree angle corbel.
To a wonderful brick chimney that survived all the earthquakes since the 1932 Long Beach one.
From plasterwork
incredible sconces.
The Crystal ball of a large chandelier.
To more mundane details like the window latch.
The wonderful original nickel sink, with all the dents from years of dishes being washed in it.
Or one of many lovingly restored Ruud water heaters.
Most of the garden is wonderful old oaks, unfortunately many are dying due to a nasty beetle that arrived in packing material from Vietnam.
A massive rose garden that is suffering in the late September heat.
There were a few areas with flowers, the kind that thrive on heat.
And water features, both a pond.
and numerous fountains.
A kitchen garden with vegetables, herbs and flowers.
As well as an arbor with Pinot Noir grapes. So far they have only become juice, not wine.
A ‘potting shed’ with lovely stain glass windows.
And some pretty amazing orchids.