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The Frederick G. Adamson Estate, designed in 1927 by AIA Fellow Gordon B. Kaufmann is a defining example of Pasadena's Golden Era of architecture. This Italian Revival masterpiece is secluded beyond rolling lawns and mature landscape at the crest of a long, gated drive. The estate commands a premier setting along the western bank of the Arroyo Seco, on South San Rafael Avenue, one of Pasadena's most distinguished addresses. The 2.71-acre property is one of the few remaining undivided parcels on the street. Kaufmann's timeless vision reveals a residence that, while exceeding 10,000 square feet, retains a sense of warmth, intimacy, and effortless livability. Equally suited for grand entertaining or quiet retreat, the home exemplifies Kaufmann's celebrated ability to balance public and private realms while capturing the site's commanding views and sweeping panoramic vistas.Commissioned by Frederick G. Adamson, a prominent industrialist, the estate reflects Kaufmann's architectural mastery, the same genius that produced Caltech's iconic Athenaeum, the Los Angeles Times Building, the Hollywood Palladium and more. Having only a handful of owners in nearly a century, the Adamson Estate endures as a landmark of rare craftsmanship and artistry.Original details remain intact and meticulously preserved: lathe-and-plaster walls, hipped clay-tile rooflines, paneled walnut library, intricate moldings, oak floors, five fireplaces, and period light fixtures and hardware. Published in Architectural Digest (1930) and featured in numerous film and editorial productions, the residence is bathed in natural light and Arroyo breezes through perfectly placed French doors and windows. A succession of terraces, balconies, and loggias extends the living environment outdoors, seamlessly uniting the interior and exterior living spaces. Gated and enveloped by park-like grounds, the estate's secluded approach sets the tone for its grandeur. Just south of the Colorado Street Bridge and minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, Burbank studios, Caltech, and the Huntington Library & Gardens, the Frederick G. Adamson Estate remains an enduring and peerless expression of architectural significance, privacy, and timeless Pasadena elegance.
Property Type(s):
Single Family
| Last Updated | 11/3/2025 | Year Built | 1927 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community | 647 - Pasadena (SW) | Garage Spaces | 2.0 |
| County | Los Angeles |
Additional Details
| AIR | Central Air |
|---|---|
| AIR CONDITIONING | Yes |
| APPLIANCES | Freezer, Gas Cooktop, Gas Oven, Gas Range, Refrigerator |
| AREA | 647 - Pasadena (SW) |
| BASEMENT | Yes |
| CONSTRUCTION | Plaster, Stone |
| EXTERIOR | Garden |
| FIREPLACE | Yes |
| GARAGE | Attached Garage, Yes |
| INTERIOR | Eat-in Kitchen, Walk-In Closet(s) |
| LOT | 2.7142 acre(s) |
| LOT DESCRIPTION | Garden, Sprinklers In Front, Sprinklers In Rear |
| PARKING | Attached, Circular Driveway, Garage, Gated, Oversized, Garage Faces Side, Side By Side |
| POOL | Yes |
| POOL DESCRIPTION | Private, In Ground |
| SEWER | Public Sewer |
| STORIES | 3+ |
| STYLE | Mediterranean, SeeRemarks |
| VIEW | Yes |
| VIEW DESCRIPTION | Bridge(s), City Lights, Canyon, Park/Greenbelt, Mountain(s), Neighborhood, Panoramic, Pool, Valley, |
| WATER | Public |
Location
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Listed with The Agency
The information being provided by Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS® (“CSMAR”) is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to a property referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (“IDX”) program of CSMAR. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. Any information relating to a property, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by CSMAR and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.
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