Pasadena Estate with Two Midcentury Modern Homes Lists for $12.5 Million

A unique 3.5-acre Pasadena, California, compound featuring two distinct midcentury modern homes, designed by renowned architects Thornton Ladd and A. Quincy Jones, has been listed for $12.5 million. The property, which includes two adjacent lots and has never been publicly marketed before, offers a rare opportunity for a buyer seeking a primary residence with a dedicated entertainment pavilion, albeit with a need for modernization.

What is the history behind this Pasadena property? The property on Paso Alto Road was previously owned by Adelaide and Alec Hixon, noted for being founders of Harvey Mudd College. They bequeathed the estate to the college via a living trust, a legal arrangement where assets are managed for the benefit of beneficiaries during the trust creator's lifetime and after. The college is now selling the property to generate proceeds for its endowment. The smaller home, designed by Thornton Ladd in 1954, served as the Hixons' primary residence, while the larger home, designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1973, was used exclusively for entertaining.

What are the features of the two homes? The estate comprises two architecturally significant homes. The 2,500-square-foot Ladd-designed residence is a single-story "glass pavilion" with terrazzo floors—a composite material poured in place or precast, used for floor and wall treatments—and integrates nature through four water elements: a reflecting pond, a double-sized swimming pool, a Japanese waterfall, and a koi pond. The larger, 6,500-square-foot Jones-designed home functioned as a "party palace." It features an open layout with high ceilings, clean lines, a central fireplace, and walls of glass that open to courtyards and gardens. It includes three bedrooms and six bathrooms but, based on our experience assessment, requires updates to appliances and systems for contemporary living.

What makes the property's location and views significant? The property's location on the south end of the Arroyo Seco provides what listing agents describe as an incomparable, expansive view. The vista includes the Rose Bowl, two adjacent golf courses, and extends up to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This sweeping panorama is a key selling point, capitalizing on the Southern California landscape. The 3.5-acre lot offers immense privacy, with the homes hidden from the road for over 50 years.

What should a potential buyer consider? A buyer should anticipate a significant investment beyond the purchase price for renovations. While the structural integrity of both homes is reported to be sound, the properties need modernization. The cost of updates for appliances, interior finishes, and potentially restoring water features should be factored into the overall budget. This property is best suited for a buyer looking for a customizable, architecturally unique compound rather than a move-in-ready home.

This Pasadena listing represents a rare chance to own a piece of architectural history with a dual-purpose layout. The key takeaways are the property's unique provenance, the need for a modernizing investment, and its unparalleled views and privacy. For the right buyer, this compound offers a blank canvas to create a personalized legacy estate.