Bauer Estate & Gardens makes its debut as the 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design with an unmatched pedigree. Acclaimed as the finest creation of famous architect Reginald D. Johnson, this majestic 1928 Monterey colonial estate was built by Peter Hall of Gamble House fame for Harry Bauer (CEO of Southern California Edison) and his wife Alice (Board Chair of the Los Angeles County Arboretum). Uniquely, the estate features several acres of magnificent gardens created by one of the earliest female landscape designers, Katherine Bashford (Thornton Gardens and Pepperdine University). Meticulously maintained by just two families in its 96-year existence, Bauer Estate & Gardens was most recently designated by the City of Pasadena in its 2012 study of Historic Designed Gardens, and is highlighted in a proposed historic district with the National Register of Historic Places.

The setting of the estate is a veritable private park with broad lawns, stately oaks, tropical plantings, rose gardens, and mediterranean terraces. Behind the house, the ground slopes down to a delicious pool accompanied by a pool house with his and hers changing areas. The trees behind the pool veil the north-south tennis court below. The sweeping circular drive extends southward past the home toward a concealed motor court area, where a four-car garage encompasses a guest house, a workshop, and a gardener's bath.

In the lovely home are 18 major rooms of harmonious proportions and a purity of detail; ten of which feature wood-burning fireplaces. Both wood and plaster moldings make their delicate statements as the flooring shines with random-width wood planks. On the main floor are the gracious reception rooms. Chief among them is the very large step-down living room, where an alcove opens to the southern terrace and the pool below. The living room and dining room, as well as the breakfast room, library, and family room, all have fireplaces. This floor also features three bedrooms, a sitting room with fireplace, two baths, and a variety of service rooms including a staff breakfast room, butler's pantry, and flower arranging room. The second floor accommodates four family bedrooms and baths, as well as a study and a nanny suite.

Prominently featured in books, magazines, film, and television, Bauer Estate & Gardens is unparalleled in its heritage and grandeur. Nearly 100 years after being built, it is finally debuting as the 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design, highlighting the latest lifestyle trends by our 30 talented interior and landscape designers.