Impeccably Preserved $4.3 Million John Galbraith-Designed Home Finds a Buyer in Pasadena—Just Days After California Wildfires Tore Through Community

A historic midcentury modern abode in Pasadena that was designed—and then renovated—by renowned architect John Galbraith has found a buyer, just days after the tony community in which it is located was ravaged by the California wildfires.

Described in its listing as an “architectural masterpiece,” the home was originally designed and built by Galbraith in 1953. It has since been occupied by only three owners, the latter holding on to the picture-perfect home for 42 years.

The three-bedroom, four-bathroom abode was listed for $4.3 million in October 2024. It was taken off the market on Jan. 11, days after multiple wildfires began burning through several communities in the Los Angeles County area, including parts of Pasadena.

Then, on Jan. 17, after the Eaton fire—which blazed across Altadena and reached into Pasadena—had been nearly contained, the property was put back on the market. It is now pending sale.

Galbraith oversaw two renovations of the home, in 1993 and 2002, ensuring that updates maintained the architectural integrity of his original design, says listing agent Terry Piasky, of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Pasadena.

“It’s very seamless. This house flows beautifully because Galbraith was the one who did the renovations,” Piasky tells Realtor.com®.

The seller went to great lengths to maintain Galbraith’s design while adding modern amenities, Piasky says.

“It’s been a labor of love to try to keep the house in this condition, but she’s updated it as well,” Piasky says. The seller “added central air and doors and windows to be more efficient.”

Original to the home—which spans 3,877 square feet—are redwood paneling, mirrored glass corners, and burnished-walnut accents.

The living room with a brick fireplace and an abundance of natural light is a cozy space for lounging, as is the family room with its redwood paneling and built-in walnut cabinetry.

“Flying walls … that was a John thing,” Piasky says of Galbraith’s unique designs. “They provide structural support while providing openness throughout the home. The skylight by the fireplace … most people who have come, they haven’t seen that in other homes.”

Oak trees rim the outdoor pool, and the home sits on a 3.96-acre lot within The Point, a gated community of just seven homes.

“Especially in Pasadena, you don’t find a lot size that large,” says Piasky. It ensures privacy and offers picturesque canyon views. “On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island and … downtown L.A.”

Another perk of the property is parking space.

“That house has a two-car oversized garage (and) a big driveway,” says Piasky. “You can fit up to 20 cars.”

The home sits on land that was the site of The Sierra Madre Villa, a luxury hotel whose guests included President Ulysses S. Grant. Walt Disney Studios bought the villa and relocated it for its use in the 1948 Burl Ives film “So Dear to My Heart.” Previously, artist William Cogswell (known for President Abraham Lincoln’s White House portrait) owned the land.

It is rare for a home in The Point to go up for sale, and the area attracts folks from the entertainment industry, according to Piasky.

“They want that privacy and to feel safe. There aren’t many places in Pasadena where you will find a private gate,” she says. “You have to get through the gate to get to the houses. They feel very secluded and very safe. It’s very close to Sierra Madre, 5 minutes away, a quaint little town.

Although not in The Point, another Galbraith-designed home was sold for $2,385,000 to Swedish music producer and DJ Christian Karlsson in 2020. A year later, he sold it for $3,249,000.

“My client wants somebody who’s really going to love the house,” says Piasky. “My target buyer’s someone who loves midcentury modern architecture. That has been who has come to see the house.”