10 Reasons To Visit The Pasadena Showcase House of Design
Nestled near the Pasadena Arroyo is this year’s Pasadena Showcase House of Design. This stunning multi-million dollar Tudor-style estate was once the West Coast winter home of Gethat in 1902, Gertrude Potter Daniels of Chicago chose this breathtaking site for her west coast winter home. with an immense view spanning the San Gabriel Mountains to the ocean. Chosen as the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design, the Potter Daniels Manor also received the prestigious designation of a Pasadena City Landmark.
This handsome manor has been the setting for movies that include “Eleanor and Franklin,” “Foul Play,” “The Christmas Box,” and “Bachelor Party.” This palatial estate has also appeared in television shows that include “McCloud,” “Falcon Crest,” “Quantum Leap,” and “Remington Steele.”
This is the third time this estate has been reimagined by Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. It was a Pasadena Showcase House in 1975 and 1996.
Every year approximately 20,000 people walk through the chosen Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. It’s one of the oldest, largest, and most successful home and garden tours in the country. At least 200+ all-volunteers are part of this organization that works hard work for months reimagining an estate in the Greater Pasadena area.
Doors opened on April 21 to the public and will close on May 19, 2024. Afterwards, the raised funds go towards the organization’s four philanthropic initiatives: the Music Mobile, Instrumental Competition, Youth Concert, and Gifts & Grants.
Over 30 talented interior designers and landscape specialists unite for months to refresh an estate that is at least 10,000 square feet. When the home is ready for public viewing, designers are present to reveal their forward-thinking design concepts.
Before pictures are displayed so viewers can see the difference a professional interior designer can make to a room or home. After visiting the manor twice, here are 10 of my favorite designers that made the Main Residence, Gate House and gardens magnificent.
1. GORGEOUS GARDENS
Entering through the stately filigreed gates one strolls up to the massive front door past California Waterscapes, Inc. landscaped grounds, small waterfall, babbling steam into a koi fish pond among verdant gardens. Designer Chad Morrill’s nature artistry unfolds in a multi-dimensional splendor. Among small boulders, wispy grasses and pebble pathways, artists Karen Neuiber‘s whimsical and eye-catching garden statues add an additional pop of color.
FUN FACT: Other prominent owners of the home include Anne C. Newcomb, the widow of James Newcomb, a founder of Standard Oil. Mrs. Newcomb’s additions to the home included marble floors and an elevator.
2. FOYER OF ENCHANTMENT
Since this fairytale Tudor is over 120-years old, step into the foyer to appreciate the beautiful walnut woodwork. Continue looking up to admire the stunning ceiling mural and exquisite stainless window.
Designer Rachel Scheff took inspiration of local flora and fauna, woodland creatures and gold birds appearing to fly along the walls. Stop to admire the John Richard Glass Leaf Twenty-Six-Light Chandelier.
3. ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Stepping into B. David Levine‘s purple, pink and gold dining room, one feels as if they have been invited into Lewis Carroll’s, Alice in Wonderland. Stay for a while to admire the splendid 25,000-year old Mauri tree wood and resin table. This table is set for one of the most elegant dinner parties of the century. Be sure to notice the floral flatware next to the opulent service ware. According to Finn who works with the designer, the handles of the flatware were designed perfectly for the comfort of the human hand.
Look up to gorgeous hand-painted mural ceiling, and three There are three different dazzling chandeliers in this room that cast an angelic glow throughout the expansive room. Everywhere one looks there are Italian and European decorative pieces.
Sumptuous thick velvety boudoir drapery hang in an artistic way near opulent upholstery and silver parquet flooring. It’s a celebration of excitement, beauty and storytelling.
4. CAPTIVATING VERANDA
Designer Steven Cordrey‘s color palette of green, pink and white excite the senses of this beautiful outdoor veranda. Set as a daytime spring garden party with a large whimsical bright green apple and colorful rug underneath the dining table, brings joy and happy vibes to this setting.
5. LUXURIOUS PRIMARY BATHROOM AND BEDROOM
Interior designer Maria Videla-Juniel, The Art of Room Design, turned a dated master bathroom into a serene light blue relaxing retreat. It’s one of the eight beautifully designed bathrooms in this home.
An inviting stand-alone half-moon bathtub was installed under a wall of beautiful leaded glass windows.
She also removed the former glass shower and installed an inviting herringbone stone step-in shower along another wall. The striking brushed gold with nickel handle P.E. Guerin Collection for Kallista fixtures enhance the look.
The handsome delicate veins in the porcelain tile flooring integrate with the calming shagreen-clad stand-along vanities with arch mirrors above. Be sure to notice the exquisite Robem mirrored cabinet slides up and down to open or close.
Working closely with designer Any Peltier of Peltier Interiors to blend this bathroom seamlessly into the primary bedroom. It’s one of seven uniquely designed bedrooms. This modern interpretation of a timeless English country home is a peaceful fusion of charm, comfort and coziness. Different hues of blue and cream colors add a sense of sophistication starting at the flooring, rugs, bed ruffles, grasscloth walls and ceiling.
An inviting terrace off the Primary Bedroom offers expansive views of the Arroyo and surrounding areas.
6. ROMANTIC GREAT GATSBY CHAMBER
Carmine Sabatella of CS Domains/Carmine Sabatella Designs recreates the F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby in one of the upstairs bedroom and bathrooms. Deep emerald colored walls and ceiling are reminiscent of a peacock’s colors. Ornate baroque details include the custom Indian door turned into a headboard, an antique mirror dazzles with rosettes, a swan lamp with a pop of red, butterflies in gilded cages, and gold-hued Indian silk drapery.
Step onto the black and white checkerboard flooring into the emerald green tile bathrooms with a spectacular silver and brass gold bathtub, a hanging gold chandelier, butterfly scones and handmade wallpaper seamlessly blend with timeless aesthetics.
7. POTTER’S CULINARY GARDEN & CONSERVATORY
Amidst the grandeur of this stately Tudor manor, Coastal Homestead designer, Chia-Ming Ro creates a sensory wonderland with fragrant and edible gardens blooming from seeds to table produce and herbs. Step inside the quaint glass wall Conservatory where sunlight filters in among mature trees.
8. CASTLE-LIKE GATE HOUSE
Step inside the charming two-story gate house on the brick exterior estate. It’s designed with the same design style as the main estate. This was once the four-car carriage house with a separate chauffer’s quarters on the property. There was a gas pump and working area for mechanic.
The entry, stairs and landing takes guests to an English country cottage with floral designs prevalent in the early 17th century with strong Indian influences. Notice the Moroccan rugs and brass lighting, all by The Art of Room Design, Maria Videla-Juniel.
9. THE GATE HOUSE TEA ROOM
Enjoy an afternoon high tea and bridge game designed by Samantha Williams Interior Design in this picturesque room with Chinoiserie wallpaper layered with elegant fabrics and trim. There is a French Deco inspired console and beautiful antique pieces that complete the room. Look up to notice how the grasscloth ceiling for extra warmth and texture. The swirled blown glass balls chandelier is an eye-catching centerpiece to this room.
10. PONY TALES
Artist and muralist Shari Tipich hand-paints the wonder of America’s majestic wild horses throughout this secondary room. This room is ideal as a baby room, painting or music room, or a dream room for equestrian fans.
Get tickets today:
Prime Time Admission is $50 from 9.30am – 1:30pm. Regular Admission is $40
from 1:30pm – 4pm. Happy Hour Admission is $35 from 4pm – closing (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday). Stay later on Friday evenings for live music. The Doo Drops performed on May 4, 2024.
On Friday, May 10 at 6 pm, a string quartet will be on stage, and on May 17, jazz singer Sharmila Lash accompanied by a guitar will perform at 6 pm.
Mother’s Day Special Brunch: $75
Sundays 11am — 1pm
Be sure to visit the legendary ‘Shops at Showcase’ before or after the tour for one of a kind gifts.
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