Beck’s Former Post-and-Beam Midcentury Home Asks $4.25M
This distinctive residence in Pasadena, California, has had its share of stardom since being built by Buff, Straub, & Hensman in 1957. Once owned by the musician Beck and carefully updated by its current owners, the expansive residence is a stunning example of post-and-beam architecture. The price was recently reduced to $4,250,000 from its original asking price of $4,995,000. Keep scrolling to see more of this unique property.
Thick lines of wood frame the alternating stucco and tongue-and-groove panels leading to the entrance. A dramatic cantilevering section juts out from the gently sloping roof.
Originally commissioned by Richard and Mary Alice Frank, the owners of Lawry’s Foods, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been featured in numerous tv shows, books, and architectural tours.
The home features a classic midcentury color palette. Warm earth tones are paired with ochre-tinted stucco and a coral front door.
The current homeowners meticulously refinished every surface of the original home—from the ceilings and floors to the walls and cabinetry. The process took over a year and a half, and the updated home displays a careful mix of contemporary features and classic style.
The foyer opens to reveal a first glimpse of the elegant post-and-beam interior. The stone flooring in the entryway was hand-laid during the home's renovation.
Spread across 5,000 square feet, the refurbished post-and-beam interior retains hints of the American craftsman style. The home offers a total of five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a den, a lofted playroom, and a large, unfinished basement.
Stairs lead down to the living room, which is separated by thick walls of low cabinetry. A walk through the formal dining room leads to the kitchen.
Each corner of the home is thoughtfully laid out with little wasted space. Beamed ceilings, built-in shelving, and a brick fireplace add to the living room's character.
A striking wall of glass looks out over the treetops, while deep overhangs provide additional privacy and shade for the interior space. Sliding doors lead out to a sunny deck.
The original kitchen layout and cabinets remain, alongside modern appliances and Caesarstone countertops.
The homeowners went to great lengths to preserve the home's original design. For instance, they sourced three stovetop units to replace a trio of old burners along the island.
The home's unique style carries into the master suite. Clerestory windows along the roofline minimize the division between inside and out.
Elements of the modern master bathroom mimic the post-and-beam style. The warm wood vanity and earth-hued tiles complement the home's original character.
The lower-level den features an original built-in couch, a fireplace, and a hidden movie projector. Sliding glass doors on the opposite wall lead to a covered patio.
Dense foliage surrounds the residence—the current homeowners say it's like living in a treehouse. Views from the upper deck extend to the San Gabriel Mountains.
The home's design follows the natural contours of the hillside location. The exterior was portrayed as the Pfefferman family home in the Amazon series "Transparent."
919 La Loma Road is currently listed for $4,250,000 by Terri Miller and Monika Bruehl of Tempo Realty.
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