240 North Grand Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
$4,698,000 | 8 bedrooms | 6 full baths, 2 partial baths | Interior: 5,982 sq. ft. | Lot Size: 22,676 sq. ft.
Well, hello Duncan-Irwin House! When a Greene & Greene craftsman hits the market in Pasadena our whole office sort of gets quiet for a moment as we click through the images and check our calendars to make room for a visit. This Greene & Greene, the Duncan-Irwin House, is one of Charles and Henry Greene’s most iconic homes, right up there with Pasadena’s prized Gamble House (which you can tour and picnic at, by the way). Built in 1906 and superbly restored with just the right amount of stylish modernization in all the right places (see the bathrooms and kitchen, the pool), 240 North Grand Avenue has all the trappings of a seminal Greene & Greene Craftsman masterwork. You must see it.
As you may know, brothers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene are two of the pivotal architects associated with the finest architecture and craftsmanship of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, but if you don’t you can check out my in-depth profile of the illustrious pair here at Iconic LA: Greene & Greene.
Okay, so the pool may not be original to the house, or part of Greene & Greene’s original vision if you will, but can you believe this uniquely shaped, large and luxurious pool? Totally private and enclosed in this gorgeous property.
The home is located in the prestigious Park Place neighborhood of Pasadena and sited on one of the premium flat lots at the Arroyo’s edge. The property boasts sweeping mountain and canyon views.
An important aspect to Greene & Greene’s architectural philosophy was the incorporation of outdoor spaces with the site’s natural environment. Notice the mix of materials.
Inside the handsome home you’re immediately greeted by Greene & Greene’s signature elaborate woodwork.
The house has a total of six (six!) fireplaces including this original brick fireplace in one of the home’s living rooms.
Another living room has another welcoming fireplace, original or made to appear original lighting fixtures, easy outdoor access through several sets of French doors.
Needless to say, original hardwood floors can be found throughout the house.
I believe this is what would have been called the card room. Perfect for, you know, playing cards, smoking a cigar, having an after dinner drink perhaps.
The lovely formal dining room has another fireplace and truly incredible woordwork from the floor to the ceiling.
The breakfast room sits just off the kitchen and has easy access to the courtyard.
And what a courtyard it is. One of the most iconic and well-known features of the design is the two-story central courtyard with a water feature that opens to a mezzanine above. The courtyard provides the rest of the home with ample natural light. The mezzanine offers a sort of hotel/retreat quality. It’s, in short, a magical space sure to captivate guests. It’s a lovely spot for entertaining in a home that has many spots to entertain.
You will love the kitchen. It maintains that vintage 1900s feel because of the dark wood cabinetry but the nice upgrades include a white subway tile backsplash, large island that provides plenty of food prep space, and stainless steel appliances.
The first of eight bedrooms. All of the bedrooms are distinguished and unique. This bedroom has an amazing wood beamed ceiling and outdoor courtyard access.
All of the six full and two partial baths have been upgraded. They’re simple yet stylish.
The incredible master suite has a row of stained glass windows, a fireplace, dramatic lighting fixtures, and a private balcony.
Plus a divine en suite bath. As you can see, the restoration has been thoughtful. Although the tiles are fresh and new, the restoration carefully keeps the wood accents predominant throughout the home just as Greene & Greene intended.
The four other bedrooms each have their own special attributes.
Like this bedroom with a tiled fireplace and earth and Japanese influenced lighting.
The property was first owned by a local seamstress named Katherine Duncan who in 1901 purchased the lot, located at 240 North Grand Avenue in Pasadena, and had her cozy foursquare one-story cottage moved to the site from another part of town. Over the next five years, the brothers did a number of renovations and expansions of the house including adding six rooms and a second story. Theodore Irwin, who like many other wealthy east-coast families, spent their winters in sunny Pasadena, fell in love with the house during a winter vacation and bought the house from Duncan. Irwin continued to expand the now two-story home into the signature Greene & Greene showstopper it is today.
The Duncan-Irwin House also includes a great guest house.
The standalone guest house has a separate entrance and is perfect for overnight guests, an in-law suite, or even a private office/writer’s retreat.
The guest house has one bedroom and one full bath. Do note this bedroom is not included in the main house’s total of eight.
Plus an updated kitchen with room for dining.
A converted garage makes for the perfect game room.
Another of the most iconic and well-known features of the design is the massive, giant pergola draped in ancient-looking wisteria vines. I mean, this just cannot be duplicated. It’s truly one of a kind.
The home is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and benefits from its inclusion on the Mills Act which provides tax breaks and other incentives to own a historic property. The residence now offers, in total, eight flexible bedrooms and bathrooms spread across the main house, garage, and guest house all flanked by decks, terraces, and a pool. It’s a one of a kind home and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a Greene & Greene designed arts and crafts craftsman.
I’d love to show you Greene & Greene’s Duncan-Irwin House in Pasadena or find you other amazing homes in Los Angeles. Call me today at (937) 243-2349 or email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com to schedule a visit.
Listing provided courtesy of Peter Martocchio and David Goldberg of Sotheby’s International Realty.