1417 Wilson Avenue

1417 Wilson Avenue is a one-of-a-kind property that marries the elegance and integrity of an historic Spanish Colonial estate with the light-filled simplicity of a mid-century aesthetic. Originally designed by Santa Barbara’s renowned architect Mary Craig in 1929, this beautiful example of the “Spanish style” is sited on over an acre of lush, cultivated grounds, offering extensive gardens, a large, deep pool with a spacious antique-brick patio, a rose garden, mature fruit trees and drought tolerant plantings in San Marino’s coveted Mission District. With four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and over 5,200 square feet of sensitively-renovated living space across a single level, the home provides an air of cool sophistication combined with an inviting and casual beauty.

Recently renovated by award-winning South Pasadena-based architect Susan Masterman, quality is present in every detail. The home’s facade features thick plaster walls with soft edges, the mark of traditional hand-troweling methods, gracious lines, period windows, French glass doors, and a classic Spanish red tile roof. Inside, grand in scale and design, light pours in through floor-to-ceiling custom Douglas Fir windows and doors that open to a stunning interior brick courtyard shaded in the summer by two robust non-fruiting pecan trees–—a perfect venue for entertaining and tete-a-tete al fresco dining. The southern and western exterior windows and French doors offer views of the green gardens and soaring Jacaranda trees. Inside, white-oak and original brick hallways gracefully connect the shared spaces. The cook’s kitchen boasts Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, dual Viking ovens, a six-burner Viking stove top, American Standard pot filler and faucets, warming oven and hand-forged brass hardware by Altadena artisan Ben Pruskin designed specifically for the custom wood cabinets. A professional Julien sink with built-in draining board, Caesarstone marble countertops, and a grand-sized island with a second sink, chic MUUTO pendant lighting and abundant storage completes the picture of luxury and elegance. The kitchen is supported by a shelf-lined walk-in pantry with natural light and stone prep counter. Neighboring is a dining nook and a Subzero stainless steel, temperature-controlled wine storage refrigerator and built-in Subzero fridge and freezer.

Additionally, there is a formal dining room with built-in shelving, original dental molding, brick floors, gracious shutters, a working fireplace and a hidden bar with a copper faucet, bar sink and lit shelving. The living area is spacious and dramatic, with high ceilings and expansive walls beckoning gallery-style art. A refurbished and newly designed white plaster fireplace with a gray slate hearth adds warmth while built-in shelving awaits a well-worn book collection. The family room with it’s beautiful built-in media center, and surround sound built-in speakers is an additional peaceful retreat that opens to an expansive brick patio and the front gardens. A gracious studio/office includes another working fireplace and reading nook—a perfect work-from-home escape.

Each ensuite bedroom provides unique design elements. The primary suite offers French doors that flow seamlessly to the garden, a fourth working fireplace and a chic stone bathroom with a spacious dressing area. Enjoy a two-car carport, as well as a repurposed climatized 2-car attached garage, presently functioning as a home office, studio, or gym. This year-round oasis in the award-winning San Marino school district is near Lacey Park, offering tennis courts, walking paths, and a playground. For those looking for peace and beauty, this home is an artful experience that will inspire and enchant your senses. Let your imagination run wild.