Captivating at Every Turn

A visit to Pasadena is always a pleasure.

Famously known for hosting the annual Tournament of Roses Parade, the city is also a heavy-hitter when it comes to architecture. It's home to classic California bungalows, and Arts and Crafts wonders like the landmark Greene and Greene house.

Pasadena's modernist gems include the outstanding Howard H. Morgridge residence at 2973 Meyerloa Lane, in the northeast section of town. Touted as a functional work of mid-century art, the architect-built 1953 home recently hit the market at $2.5 million.

A unique find with luxurious flourishes reminiscent of architects John Lautner and Frank Lloyd Wright, the post-and-beam home is constructed of wood and stone, with an open-beam ceiling. Amazingly intact, the home's mid-century elements still shine, accenting the architect's original vision.

Listing agent Eva Lin of eXp Realty of California is presenting the home in an informative narrated slideshow, showing the home today, and as it appeared in 1959 when it was photographed by the legendary Julius Shulman.

To experience the property in person is to be "surrounded by exquisite design and extraordinary natural beauty," says Lin, pointing out that the Kinneloa Mesa canyon home has been "enjoyed by the same family for 50 years."

There's a relaxed livability about every room within the home's 3,570 square feet. A private mid-century oasis, there are five bedrooms, three baths, private patios, and a swimming pool on its 45,421-square-foot lot. It features an open-beam 'fishtail' ceiling, an asymmetrical fireplace, and is covered in shimmering blue mosaic tile.

Sunlight streams into open living spaces through window walls that make easy transitions from indoors to outdoors. Truly a photogenic home, it's easy to admire the beauty of the architect's modern design, a symphony of open-beam ceilings, natural stone, artistically defined angles, and built-in furniture.