A Rare Mid-Century Gem in the San Gabriel Valley

Nestled beneath towering trees with sweeping mountain views, this classic mid-century residence offers the privacy and scale discerning buyers in the foothills have been searching for. Designed by Boyd Georgi — USC-trained California modernist, AIA Pasadena & Foothill chapter president (1964), and one of the San Gabriel Valley's most respected mid-century architects — this home reflects the refined post-and-beam tradition at its best.

1580 Old House Road, Pasadena, CA 91107

5 BD · 3 BA · 2,328 SF

Overview

Set Among the Trees, Above the City

Positioned on a generous, private lot in one of the San Gabriel Valley's most coveted foothill neighborhoods, this home commands a sense of place rarely found in today's market. Mature oaks, tall palms, and dense native landscaping wrap the property in natural seclusion, while the surrounding mountain ridgeline provides a dramatic and ever-changing backdrop.

Aerial views reveal a home thoughtfully sited to maximize both privacy and orientation — low-slung rooflines hug the terrain, and the flat roof profile reads as quintessentially mid-century against the lush green canopy. Neighboring properties reflect the same quiet, established character that defines this special pocket of the valley.

Setting & Context

Foothill Living at Its Finest

The neighborhood surrounding this property is a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century Southern California living — wide lots, mature tree canopy, and a relaxed scale that feels worlds away from the city below, yet remains minutes from Old Town Pasadena, South Pasadena, and the 210 corridor.

Sweeping Valley Views

From the upper edges of the lot, panoramic views extend across the valley floor toward the Los Angeles basin — a rare vantage point that few properties in the area can offer.

Mountain Backdrop

The San Gabriel Mountains rise immediately behind the property, providing dramatic relief and a cool, clean air quality that's a hallmark of foothill living in this part of Los Angeles County.

Established Neighborhood

Surrounded by large, well-maintained parcels and heritage trees, the street presence is quiet and dignified — a neighborhood where homes are held for generations.

Architecture

Classic Mid-Century Form & Proportion

The home's flat roof, deep overhangs, and horizontal massing speak directly to the California modernist tradition. Seen from above, the roofline integrates naturally with the surrounding landscape — a hallmark of the best mid-century residential design in the greater Los Angeles area.

Designed by Boyd Georgi, a USC-trained California modernist with a practice centered in the San Gabriel Valley, the home reflects his refined approach to post-and-beam construction, clean lines, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor space. Georgi served as president of the Pasadena & Foothill AIA chapter in 1964 and also taught at the USC School of Architecture. His most recognized public work is the Altadena Library (1967), which further underscores his lasting influence on the region's architectural identity.

Exterior

Approach & Entry

Arrival Experience

A generous motor court and covered carport welcome residents and guests alike. The clean wood and concrete detailing at the entry sets a tone of understated elegance that carries throughout the property. Boulder outcroppings add a naturalistic, site-specific character to the approach.

The extended roofline of the carport integrates seamlessly with the main structure, a detail that speaks to the careful, holistic thinking behind the original design.

Grounds

Landscaping & Outdoor Living

The grounds are a layered composition of native planting, specimen boulders, concrete pathways, and mature palms — offering both structure and wildness in equal measure. Multiple outdoor areas invite al fresco living year-round, taking full advantage of the San Gabriel Valley's temperate climate.

Native Garden

Boulder groupings and drought-tolerant plantings create a landscape that feels simultaneously cultivated and wild — deeply in keeping with the foothill setting.

Mature Canopy

Towering oaks and palms provide shade, privacy, and a sense of permanence that only decades of careful stewardship can produce.

Private Setting

The lot offers exceptional privacy from neighboring properties, with natural screening on multiple sides creating an almost resort-like sense of seclusion.

Interior

Living Spaces

Inside, the home reflects the open, light-filled spatial sensibility that defines the best mid-century residential work in Southern California. Large expanses of glass bring the outdoors in, while generous ceiling heights and clean wall planes create an atmosphere of calm and considered proportion.

Original details are preserved throughout — from the warm wood cabinetry and built-in storage to the exposed structural elements that give the interior its honest, tactile character. The overall effect is one of timeless livability: spaces that feel both architecturally significant and genuinely comfortable.

Photo Gallery

Interior Details

Original wood finishes, open-plan living areas, and an abundance of natural light define the interior character of this remarkable home.


More Spaces

Kitchen & Dining Rooms




Features

What Makes This Home Exceptional

Authentic Mid-Century Design

Flat roofline, deep overhangs, and horizontal massing reflect the California modernist tradition at its most resolved. Original detailing preserved throughout.

Private Foothill Setting

Sited on a generous lot with mature tree canopy and mountain backdrop, offering a level of seclusion and natural beauty rarely found in this price range.

Panoramic Views

Sweeping sight lines across the San Gabriel Valley to the Los Angeles basin, as well as immediate mountain views to the north — a dual outlook that is genuinely extraordinary.

Coveted Location

Minutes from Old Town Pasadena, South Pasadena, and major freeway access, in an established neighborhood known for its quiet streets and architectural integrity.

Boyd Georgi Provenance

Designed by Boyd Georgi — USC-trained California modernist, AIA Pasadena & Foothill chapter president, and USC faculty — this home carries the architectural credentials of one of the San Gabriel Valley's most respected mid-century practitioners.

Gallery

Primary & Secondary Bedrooms

Full Gallery

Bathrooms, Details & Finishes

Every room reflects the original design intent — honest materials, integrated storage, and a warm palette that has aged beautifully over the decades.

Exterior Gallery

Outdoor Spaces & Surroundings

Final Views

Additional Photography

Inquire About This Property

Properties of this caliber — authentic mid-century architecture, private foothill setting, sweeping views, and established neighborhood context — rarely come to market. We invite serious inquiries from buyers who appreciate what makes this home genuinely irreplaceable.