A Picture-Perfect Midcentury in Pasadena Lists for $2.3M

The plans for this post-and-beam construction were featured in the May 1950 edition of “Arts & Architecture Magazine.”

Known as the Robert Smith Residence, 320 San Miguel Road was built by architects Eugene Weston and Douglas Byles in 1951, after the plans for the home were published in the May 1950 edition of Arts & Architecture Magazine, in an article titled, "The Small House and the City Plot." The home hasn't stayed small, though; it's evolved over the years thanks to a series of well-executed renovations. Today, is the epitome of indoor/outdoor living. 

The glass box entry was added in 1964. The home is a series of light-filled moments and lovely views of the surrounding landscape. 

The glass box entry was added in 1964. The home is a series of light-filled moments and lovely views of the surrounding landscape. 

The first renovation happened in 1964 when Whitney Smith designed and added two additional pavilions—the living room and the master suite. The additions were tied together with a transparent glass box entry. Smith's work stayed true to the rhythm of the original design by connecting and integrating the original and new elements of the home in a playful and perfectly seamless way.

The stunning midcentury home is sited around a pool—a 2005 addition that looks like it has always been there.

The stunning midcentury home is sited around a pool—a 2005 addition that looks like it has always been there.

The next renovation came in 1984, when the home’s guest wing was expanded, adding a large en suite bathroom and two adjoining rooms connected by double pocket doors. In 2005, the home received a sensitive and architecturally thoughtful remodel focused on the kitchens and the bathrooms. This renovation also added the pool and a koi pond located just outside the master suite. Adding to the history of the home, the seller, Dave Binder, happens to be a general contractor who specializes in restoring architectural homes, working to bring the Robert Smith Residence up to 2019 standards while maintaining its 1950's charm. 

The post-and-beam construction features tongue-and-groove ceilings and walls of glass throughout. 

The post-and-beam construction features tongue-and-groove ceilings and walls of glass throughout. 

Clerestory windows bring additional natural light into the home. 

Clerestory windows bring additional natural light into the home. 

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Light and air flows seamlessly from the entrance (the yellow front door) through the open living spaces. 

Light and air flows seamlessly from the entrance (the yellow front door) through the open living spaces. 

All of the windows and doors are original and have been restored to full functionality by the seller. 

All of the windows and doors are original and have been restored to full functionality by the seller. 

This angle shows the open-plan living space and how it connects to the outdoor space. 

This angle shows the open-plan living space and how it connects to the outdoor space. 

The dining area overlooks the pool. 

The dining area overlooks the pool. 

The open kitchen is bright and airy. 

The open kitchen is bright and airy. 

One of the highlights of the kitchen is the beautiful marble countertops. 

One of the highlights of the kitchen is the beautiful marble countertops. 

The master bedroom has glass sliders that open to a small terrace and the koi pond. 

The master bedroom has glass sliders that open to a small terrace and the koi pond. 

The master bedroom has 10-foot ceilings and clerestory windows. 

The master bedroom has 10-foot ceilings and clerestory windows. 

The bathroom skylight was a part of the 1964 addition by Whitney Smith. 

The bathroom skylight was a part of the 1964 addition by Whitney Smith. 

The second bedroom. 

The second bedroom. 

The bathrooms have been updated but still maintain a distinct midcentury vibe. 

The bathrooms have been updated but still maintain a distinct midcentury vibe. 

This bedroom is currently in use as a home office. 

This bedroom is currently in use as a home office. 

There is native, drought-resistant landscaping at the entrance. 

There is native, drought-resistant landscaping at the entrance. 

The low profile home boasts clean midcentury lines. 

The low profile home boasts clean midcentury lines. 

Porsche not included. 

Porsche not included. 

 320 San Miguel Road, Pasadena is currently being listed for $2,275,000 by Julia Allos of Deasy Penner Podley.

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Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

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