Home of the Week: South Pasadena's Paxton House

"Named for the rancher who commissioned it, the (Charles) Paxton House was designed by noted Southern California architect Reginald Johnson and built in 1920, earning the American Institute of Architects' top prize for residential design. It blends Spanish and Mediterranean revival features and English elements to create indoor-outdoor living in a style that Johnson, whose legacy includes Pasadena's All Saints Episcopal Church and Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara, called "true California architecture.""

"Despite its pedigree, Paxton House was set to be demolished after the property was purchased by a private girl's school in the early 1970s. Word reached Cheryl Fremdling, an interior designer who had grown up in the home. She bought the house and had it moved to its present location several blocks to the south and west, according to real estate historian Tim Gregory. The 349-ton structure had to be cut into five pieces to make the trip."

"The home's entry has terra cotta tiles and iron light sconces. An arched opening leads to the high-ceilinged living room, which features original wood floors, a marble fireplace, glazed antique paneling and dentil molding. Shielded from the street by tall walls of vegetation, the two-story home is sheathed in sand-colored stucco with numerous rectangular windows framed by black shutters."

The Paxton House, built in 1920 by architect Reginald Johnson, exemplifies California architecture through its blend of Spanish, Mediterranean, and English design elements. Originally located on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, the home won the American Institute of Architects' top residential design prize. When a private girls' school purchased the property in the early 1970s, demolition threatened the structure. Interior designer Cheryl Fremdling, who grew up in the home, purchased and relocated it several blocks south and west, requiring the 349-ton structure to be cut into five pieces. Subsequent owners added a guest house, pool, spa, and master suite while conducting major renovations that preserved original details and incorporated modern amenities.

Read at Los Angeles Times