450 Cherry Drive

This infinitely special Spanish Colonial Revival home in the San Rafael Hills of Pasadena is rustic yet elegant, romantic yet stately, refined yet warm and all of the complex contradictions that make this architecture irresistible. Sited on the south-facing side of Cherry Drive, with views of the Poppy Peak Historic District and beyond, this home transports its visitors to a relaxed, style-rich and elevated point of view. Hand-troweled stucco, a classic red clay barrel tile roof with curved rafter tails and recessed entry define the exterior of this 1933-built property. Follow the brick walkway to the front porch flanked by Arbutus and Bottlebrush trees, and open the 'Julia Morgan blue' front door to reveal a spectacular Magnesite floor inside. Molded into harmonious octagonal and Saltillo brick patterns with hand painted Spanish tile details, the entry floor and ironwork set the artisan tone. Vaulted beamed ceilings define public spaces here: in the entry, suspended over a hand-carved wood beam, and in the living room: a cathedral ceiling lined with tongue and groove paneling. Featuring a rustic decorative brick fireplace with iron-front wood storage vault, the living room boasts casement picture windows to the front, framing the view of a Camphor tree. With southern exposure, both the living and dining rooms are light-filled, with peg-in-groove hardwood floors and velvety white plaster walls. Through french doors, the dining room offers access to a private balcony with southern tree top views...and to the north, the patio and backyard. Adjacent to the dining room, find an exquisite kitchen with Adriatic blue lacquered cabinetry, high end stainless appliances, custom tile backsplash and views. Like the arched casement window above the hammered copper sink opens to the side yard; this home offers great flow and many opportunities to commune in the public spaces. Bedrooms are lovely, each with garden or treetop views. Two bathrooms are updated with artful fixtures and finishes, while retaining character: from the sweet built-in cabinet in the 3/4 bath, to the collage of aqua and blue tile in the full bath. Finally, the backyard is a dream, with handsome brick dining patio, sitting terrace under a grove of astonishing Euphorbia cactus, a shady turf side garden and a spa for unobstructed star gazing. Located central to everything and near treasured local spots, here is opportunity to live with architecture and history, while living well in the present.