An Artist Handcrafted This Abode as a “Thank You” to His Mom Nearly One Hundred Years Ago

Designed by Frederick Ruppel in 1925, the Spanish Colonial Revival set above the Rose Bowl remains in pristine condition. Now it’s for sale for $1.5M.
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Nearly 100 years ago, local builder and artisan Frederick (Fritz) Ruppel tapped into his master craftsmanship to design a dream home for a very special client—his mother, Gertrude. Nestled on a spacious, manicured lot in Pasadena, California, the 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival known today as The Ruppel House was recently put up for sale.

Frederick Ruppel was a local builder and artisan who helped restore the historic landmark Mission San Juan Capistrano. Ruppel originally built this one-level residence for his mother and later moved into the dwelling with his wife. 

Frederick Ruppel was a local builder and artisan who helped restore the historic landmark Mission San Juan Capistrano. Ruppel originally built this one-level residence for his mother and later moved into the dwelling with his wife. 

The 1,825-square-foot home is located close to the famous Arroyo Rose Bowl. Past trimmed hedges in the front yard, an expansive outdoor seating area offers a private corner to gather.

The 1,825-square-foot home is located close to the famous Arroyo Rose Bowl. Past trimmed hedges in the front yard, an expansive outdoor seating area offers a private corner to gather.

The 1,825-square-foot dwelling remains in pristine condition, blending original features with sensitive updates throughout the years. The heart of the home is a large living room that boasts beamed cathedral ceilings and opens to a courtyard and fountain. Arched doorways connect the interior spaces, while custom built-ins enhance the historic charm.

Upon arrival, an entryway leads into the home's main living room where a breathtaking beamed ceiling takes center stage.

Upon arrival, an entryway leads into the home's main living room where a breathtaking beamed ceiling takes center stage.

In total, the house includes three bedrooms and two baths. The remodeled kitchen offers light blue cabinetry, adding a pop of color to the otherwise wood and terracotta tones. A private side patio is idyllic for a future herb garden. Scroll ahead to see more of the property, currently listed for $1,495,000.

A wood-burning fireplace anchors the living area, while French doors open to a courtyard. 

A wood-burning fireplace anchors the living area, while French doors open to a courtyard. 

Light blue cabinetry in the kitchen infuse a fresh aesthetic while providing an abundance of storage. All new appliances were also installed, including a double Viking range.

Light blue cabinetry in the kitchen infuse a fresh aesthetic while providing an abundance of storage. All new appliances were also installed, including a double Viking range.


Another view of the kitchen. Additional cabinetry along the rear wall sit adjacent to a door leading outside.

Another view of the kitchen. Additional cabinetry along the rear wall sit adjacent to a door leading outside.

Steps away from the kitchen is the formal dining room which includes original hardwood floors and beamed ceilings.

Steps away from the kitchen is the formal dining room which includes original hardwood floors and beamed ceilings.

French doors in the master bedroom open to an additional private patio.

French doors in the master bedroom open to an additional private patio.

Custom cabinetry lines one of the walls in the master bath. Original tiles line the floors.

Custom cabinetry lines one of the walls in the master bath. Original tiles line the floors.

A closer look at the original tiled shower/tub in the master bath.

A closer look at the original tiled shower/tub in the master bath.

A peek at another one of the three bedrooms.

A peek at another one of the three bedrooms.

The other bathrooms also features original tile-work.

The other bathrooms also features original tile-work.

Thick landscaping surrounds the home, ensuring ample privacy while creating a city oasis.

Thick landscaping surrounds the home, ensuring ample privacy while creating a city oasis.

1150 Wotkyns Drive in Pasadena, California, is currently listed for $1,495,000 by Matt Littell of Deasy Penner Podley.

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