2025 Home Tour Coming Soon!
The 57th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour features the heritage and timelessness of Pasadena’s architecture, complemented by some of the most talented and innovative florists and musicians in the area. Join us for this time-honored Pasadena holiday tradition, as you step into each of our four festively decorated homes and gardens.
If you would like to have your home considered, please contact Jodieullman@gmail.com.
English Arts and Crafts Estate
Florist: Jacob Maarse – Hank Maarse
Welcome to “El Arco,” an exquisite 1910 Arts and Crafts estate built by architect Sumner P. Hunt—who also designed the Bradbury Building (1893), Doheny Mansion (1899), Annandale Country Club (1907), and Southwest Museum (1912-14), as well as many others—for writer and noted newspaperman Charles Dwight Willard. Willard himself described the house in one of his columns: “It was a reproduction of a Surrey cottage done by Henry Hyde Dwight of Boston — a curious structure of many irregular angles and queer nooks . . . bent like a bow-around a curious little formal garden, and hence the name ‘El Arco.’ . . . It was a long, gray rambling kind of a place that wandered off into rose covered pergolas here and there and looked modest in front and imposing in the rear, because it was on a hillside.” Originally built for only $6,500, the home was destroyed by fire on December 16, 1910 and recreated “exactly”, per later writings from Willard in 1912. The estate’s park-like grounds and gardens served as inspiration for Willard, who penned a column called “In the Pergola” for the California Outlook until his death in 1914. Subsequent owners have carried on Willard’s legacy and cared for this matchless estate throughout the years. Unique and period-appropriate features abound and the entire home was recently completely and lovingly restored and renovated. Extensive entertaining and living spaces including a box-beamed living room, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen, library, and downstairs game room. As Willard writes above, the unique site of this estate brings the best of California living to life with thrilling vistas including rolling lawns, fountains, an outdoor kitchen, a rose garden, and a vegetable garden, all totaling over an acre of exquisite grounds.
Historic Registry Home
Florist: Ixora Studio – Lisa Cardella
This one and two-story stucco Spanish Revival is located in the historic Prospect Park neighborhood and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally owned by Dr. Adolph Boehm, and built by architect, Merle Ramsey, in 1925. Situated on a raised lot, this house has an arched front loggia, tile roof, a leftside porte cochere and a right side hexagonal music room. A second story bedroom wing was added in 1932.
Upon entering the home, there is a hexagonal music room with an original fireplace and hand-painted ceiling panel. The living room showcases the original fireplace and the interior of the living room is designed with two beautifully restored player pianos; one upon entering the living room and one before entering the dining room. The dining room keeps its history with the original custom woodwork and beautiful ornate designs.
Entering the backyard, you will find a beautifully landscaped garden and many private areas for tranquility and relaxation, including a refreshing pool. Also nestled in the backyard is a charming gazebo that invites you to come and relax and meditate. The backyard is also great for entertainment.
The pride of ownership is lovingly displayed by these homeowners as they have maintained the history and integrity of this historic home. No detail has been overlooked in the restoration and maintenance of this wonderful home. A tour of this home is to take a walk through an historical era when homes were built with the love and pride of the homeowner. How wonderful that the current homeowners have continued this tradition with the same values!
Lovely Spanish Style Bungalow
Florist: Southern Roots – Tillie Burke
Originally designed in 1925 by the renowned architect Harold Bisner Sr., this stunning home is a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of early 20th century architecture. Rooted in the Spanish Revival style, this house stands as a perfect blend of timeless design and modern-day comforts. One of the most captivating features of this home is its dramatic beamed ceilings adorned with wrought iron tie bars, which add both structural integrity and artistic flair. These beams draw the eye upward, showcasing the impressive height and spaciousness of the living areas. The fine craftsmanship continues throughout, with detailed archways that gracefully connect each room, adding a sense of openness while maintaining distinct living spaces.
The house also exudes warmth and character, thanks to the homeowner’s meticulous attention to detail. Each room bursts with vibrant colors, thoughtfully chosen to enhance the unique architectural elements. This rich palette, paired with the home’s authentic Spanish tiles, gives the interior a lively, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Even though it’s a small property, the owner has maximized the living and entertaining space to the property lines. Every room has been gutted and reworked to make it flow for entertaining and providing a sense of peace and serenity.
Beyond the home’s remarkable interior, it offers beautiful outdoor seating areas at every turn. Whether you prefer a quiet moment in the Peacock Patio, a shaded retreat in the Fountain Courtyard, or a lively gathering on the Avocado Terrace, this home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. These areas provide the perfect settings to enjoy Southern California’s temperate climate and scenic beauty with the many mature trees and lush gardens. The front and back gardens have been designed by Larramee Haynes who has been the exterior advisor to the Pasadena Showcase House for the last few years.
Five years ago, the Casita was thoughtfully remodeled, further enhancing its charm and functionality. The Casita was designed to harmonize perfectly with the original home, incorporating the same architectural details, from the classic Spanish tile roofing to the stucco walls and arched doorways. Doug Ewing, noted local A.I.A. architect, artistically designed the Pergola and entertaining space that connect the house to the Casita. It provides additional space for guests or can serve as a private retreat, effortlessly tying into the overall aesthetic of the main house.
From its origin as a Harold Bisner Sr. creation to its vibrant present with the addition of the Casita by Doug Ewing, this home stands as a cherished part of architectural history. Its enduring design, combined with the personal touches of its homeowner, makes it not only a residence but also a work of art—a celebration of both past and present that continues to delight all who visit.
French Country Style Home
Florist: Margit Holakoui
From the moment you walk through the wrought iron gates and are greeted with a sign saying Champs-Élysées you are immediately transported to Paris! This French Country home was built by John Davies who was the likely architect, in the early 1950s. The house is 2,853 square feet and originally had 3 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The current owners, who bought the home in 1997, conducted an extensive remodeling project that included new French doors and windows as well as additional wood floors and crown molding throughout the home. They also created a large master suite by combing 2 existing rooms. In addition, the front landscaping and entry to the home was redesigned, creating a lush green grass area surrounded by azaleas and other greenery, along with a brick walkway to match the brick sitting area near the front entrance.
Designed for entertaining, the house has a large formal entry, living room, dinning room and butler’s panty. This warm and inviting home reflects the rich and extensive interests of the family. The homeowners are known for their personal style and elaborate decorating for the holidays. They have created an eclectic and beautiful interior by incorporating precious family heirlooms with antiques purchased from local Pasadena dealers over the years and beautiful decorative items from their many travels.