A Pristine Pasadena Midcentury Hits the Market at $3.4M
If you’re on the hunt for a nearly perfectly preserved midcentury home in California, look no further. Perched on almost a full acre lot in Pasadena, the 1956 residence offers sweeping views of the mountains above and the city below. Since being built, the home was owned by the same family for 57 years before being sold for the first time last year.
An entrance painted in sea foam extends a warm welcome inside, and pops against the surrounding wood-clad walls. Designed by local architect John F. Galbraith, the 1956 home sits in the gated community of North Kinneloa Ranch and offers views of the Los Angeles basin.
Today, the single-level dwelling is owned by Grammy award-winning DJ, producer, and songwriter Christian Karlsson, also known as Bloodshy. The acclaimed musician, who has written hits for various artists including "Toxic" for Brittney Spears, purchased the home in 2020 with his partner for $2,385,000. The couple is now putting it up for sale after treating the space to a revamp.
Galbraith initially designed the home for a pharmacist and his family. While it changed hands in 1963, the property remained in the same family for nearly 60 years before being acquired by Christian Karlsson, the current owner. In the living room, original polished concrete floors merge with redwood siding and floor-to-ceiling glass to form a refined, tasteful aesthetic.
"It’s always hard to find a property that checks all the boxes, but this one really does," Christian states in a recent interview. "The combination of a timeless midcentury classic with a private orchard in the hidden gem of the Kinneloa Estates up in the foothills is a dream come true."
A double-sided, Bouquet Canyon stone-clad fireplace links the living and dining spaces.
According to listing agent Richard Yohon, Christian initially acquired the residence to serve as an "inspirational creative space to write music and collaborate." However, after he and his family moved back to Sweden earlier this year, they decided to seek out a buyer.
Though he only owned the residence for a brief stint, Christian wasted no time restoring it back to its original glory. Among the home’s most notable period details are polished concrete floors, mahogany cabinets, and a two-sided fireplace with a floating hearth.
Floor-to-ceiling doors open up the central kitchen to the primary living spaces.
"The sellers did not forget to improve the home with modern updates either," says Yohon, noting several upgrades that include a new HVAC system, and a culinary kitchen with chef-grade appliances. "The grounds were also professionally landscaped by Kathleen Ferguson—one of the top local landscape architects."
The kitchen is fitted with restored mahogany cabinetry and Formica countertops, and overlooks the landscaped yard.
Extensive glazing and sliding glass doors promote easy indoor/outdoor living throughout the three-bedroom dwelling, which spans across nearly 4,000 square feet. In addition to large gathering areas and a free-flowing layout, the property also includes a separate detached flex space, as well as an oversize two-car garage. Scroll ahead to see more of the midcentury, now back on the market at $3,397,000.
Another view of the kitchen showcases the original sliding cabinets, which now add playful pops of color to the space.
A well-equipped cocktail bar with a miniature fridge, sink, and cabinets sits off the living room.
The primary suite is located down the hall from the main living spaces and features another fireplace, as well as direct access to the backyard pool.
Connected to the bedroom is a large spa-like bath featuring an oversize glass shower.
All three of the bedrooms are well lit with natural light and frame captivating mountain views.
Original cabinetry can be found in another one of the home’s bathrooms.
Cloaked with tile, the generous soaking tub off to the side of the extended vanity offers a quiet corner to rest and unwind.
The home also features a bonus room which is currently set up as an office. Sliding glass doors connect the space to the backyard.
The detached flex space is complete with a kitchenette, bedroom, and bath.
With the city below and the mountains beyond, the backyard presents an idyllic setting for memorable entertaining.
2105 Villa Heights Road in Pasadena, California, is currently listed for $3,397,000 by Richard Yohon of Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage and Konstantine Valissarakos of Nourmand and Associates.
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