Oaklawn Manor ~ Pasadena Showcase House of Design
“We travel for romance; we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” - Ray Bradbury.
Travel has resumed. Every day I see friends, members on social media groups posting pictures of their travels. At the same time there are conversations from people who don’t want to venture too far from home for fear of the rapidly changing rules and regulations and fears of testing covid positive and needing to quarantine far from home.
Who says that we have to travel thousands of miles from home for it to qualify as a travel adventure? This month I am going to share how to wander closer to home and get the same charge that I get when I venture hundreds and thousands of miles away.
This week, we are venturing to South Pasadena a mere 20 miles from my home to visit the 2022 Pasadena Showcase House of Design; Oaklawn Manor. This is a 10,000 square foot Tudor mansion built in 1905 for British civil engineer Harry Hawgood by architects Henry and Charles Greene.
This house is the 57th project presented by the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, one of America’s oldest, largest and most successful home and garden tours. Every year they pick a house and invite local designers to reimagine a makeover which is then opened to the public as a part of their annual fund-raising event.
Upon entering the house, an original stained-glass window suite featuring St. George and the dragon dominates at the top of the staircase. A round table below the light fixture is ideal for placing a large bouquet of flowers setting the tone for the rest of the tour which features a host of sitting areas downstairs and four large bedroom suites upstairs.
There are many design touches as you wander through the downstairs. I love reading and am a sucker for window seats, so this was one of my favorite rooms in the house with its built-in bookshelves and inviting window seat overlooking the back garden.
I understand that much of the art on display is original and sourced specifically for the house. Imagine finding the perfect sofa table that blends with your style and placing your favorite paintings and/or other art on it. No need for handymen to come help you put the right nails in the walls and measure everything precisely. This venture is a great way to get simple practical ideas that can be implemented in your own homes.
Bult in shelves in this room were used to display books and pictures. For me I really liked how the old and new was blended so skillfully. Every room in the house featured fresh flowers and plants which was such a wonderful touch.
I have a similar set of Chinese panels which are inset in dark wood. I loved how these panels have been re-imagined with the orchids. I would love to look into potentially re-framing mine and changing where they are hung in my house today.
Take a few steps and you’re transported into a totally different world with these bright colors and oh so European touches. Imagine you are touring a summer palace in some exotic destination in a faraway place around the world.
The adjoining bathroom was also beautifully restored with hand painted ceiling, beautiful, tiled floor and wallpaper.
The beautiful chandeliers and the hand painted ceiling accented by wooden beams transport you once again into a baroque mansion in Europe. This room looks like its lovingly restored to a long-ago period where a large gathering could sit for dinner and be served from the adjoining butler’s pantry.
For the modern woman with the shoe fetish, this is definitely a selling point. A shoe closet to match with the beautiful closets for all her baubles and clothes to match.
While the rest of the master bedroom with its plush fur like throws and color scheme was not to my taste the soft velvet finish on the walls definitely gave it a very soft touch.
Now for a touch of the orient, more orchids and a wall screen set against the bright green of the plants with the windows bringing in the beautiful outside.
What every modern household needs, a modern gourmet kitchen complete, with build in Pizza oven and breakfast nook to enjoy your morning coffee or zoom with friends and colleagues.
with a nice finish to the open laundry room with the washer and dryer hidden inside this beautiful cabinet.
Step outside to the beautiful blue pool surrounded by colorful flowers blooming in floor pots and small statuary to add a touch of whimsy.
Now this is an area built for relaxing with the soothing sound of the water, the colorful touches of flowers and Koi Fish swimming in this little pond. Enjoy a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or a cocktail, perhaps entertain a few friends.
But if you’re looking to ramp up the entertainment factor then this pool house is definitely the right ticket.
Au naturel!
An imposing back entrance complete with some statuary.
As we wrapped up our day and headed towards the front this quote came to mind: “A house is a machine for living in. The home is a treasure chest for living.” - Le Corbusier.
What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Came home recharged and rejuvenated, ready to start a new week.