3 Lida Lane
Pasadena, CA 91103
$2,279,000 | 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,785 Sq. Ft. | .72 Acre Lot | Built in 1946
This incredibly lush and large property is located just above the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena’s choice Linda Vista neighborhood. It’s not only a nature lover’s dream home, but also perfect for aficionados of mid-century modern architecture as its sharp post and beam lines, brilliant walls of glass, and unreal wraparound patio make it one for the MCM history books.
The home was designed by architect Floyd Mueller as his and his wife’s, Chilean artist Susana Guevera’s, personal residence in 1946. Most important to Mueller was peace, privacy, seclusion and the symbiotic relationship between the dwelling’s interiors and their connection to nature. As such, the home is surrounded by awe-inspiring and mature oak, sycamore, willow, and alder trees.
The walls of glass and picture windows help bring the outdoors inside with supernatural views of the pool, lush foliage, mature oak trees, and so much more with not a neighbor in sight.
The chic living room has a timeless fireplace, beautiful wood elements, along with Japanese accents.
The dining room can easily be host to dinner parties of 8-12 and you will love the built-in storage, great for both your fine china and your personal objet d’arts, favorite books, and pieces you and your family have collected on your far-flung journeys over the years. The built-in cabinetry is surprisingly original and designed by Mueller himself, who worked as a furniture maker and set designer for films before launching his architecture practice. Other features to note include the slate flooring.
Mueller was an adherent to the California Modernist ethos of maintaining a connection to nature so the living room and each bedroom are lined with walls of glass that open onto a wraparound balcony, making the home an entertainer’s indoor/outdoor dream and ideal for seekers of solitude.
The classic kitchen has a wonderful eat-in island and plenty of counter space.
A dedicated laundry and mud room offers a convenient and separate space for chores and storage.
The office/third bedroom features a corner picture window and custom built-in cabinetry that mirror those that line the dining and living room walls.
Step outside to your Northeast Los Angeles oasis.
The property’s three-quarter-acre grounds feature a grotto-style pool and spa, two flagstone patios, and a carport.
But I still can’t get over the home’s rare and wonderful wraparound patio.
Back inside you will find two additional bedrooms. Typically we might see these kinds of views reserved for the primary bedrooms, but, no. Not at 3 Lida Lane where each room was built from the ground up just so each resident or guest can have access to the restorative qualities of the natural surroundings.
The home has two bathrooms and both have been stylishly updated with lovely tiles and countertops. Plus you’ll notice more Japanese woodwork, screens, and lighting. These were meant as an appreciation of the Japanese architectural influence on Pasadena and the region.
The primary bedroom has its own wing essentially.
With its own private balcony, the primary offers a true sanctuary to enjoy the woods with a nice morning cup of coffee or glass of wine at night.
And the home truly comes alive at night with brilliant lighting design.
The lot is zoned PSR4 and spans nearly 3/4 of an acre, which offers the opportunity to expand and/or add additional structures. Neighboring 4 Lida Ln is also for sale so if you’re in the market to create a dream compound of, not one but, two architecturally significant homes on adjacent lots that when combined would total well over an acre in prime Linda Vista.
And since it is on the market for the first time in half a century, you will be one of just a handful of owners to enjoy and maximize this incredibly unique combination of architecture and nature. 
The home has been extensively published and studied, including in the December 1951 issue of Arts and Architecture magazine. The Linda Vista neighborhood is known for its density of notable architecture, lush surroundings, and its proximity to the Rose Bowl, Art Center College of Design, and Old Town Pasadena. 3 Lida Lane is simply one-of-a-kind.
I would love to give you a private tour of 3 Lida Lane in Pasadena. Call me today at (937) 243-2349 or email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com to schedule a visit.
Listing provided courtesy of Stephen Clark •DRE #01482283 • Backbeat Homes.
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