Photo Gallery: LCF House Ready for Showcase Debut

The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, a Paul Revere William’s 1927 English Manor house located in La Cañada, has undergone months of extreme makeover decorating and renovation and is set to open to the public on Sunday. A preview Monday revealed some of the magic in store for guests who will view the rooms, grounds, gardens, guesthouse, and pool areas that have been touched by the creative hands of a team of designers.

Some 35,000 people are expected to tour the property through May 15, when the house is then officially returned to its owners. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support the Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts local and non-profit cultural and music programs, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and youth organizations.

Since 1948, the PSHA has raised more than $17 million for grants and gifts, created a Music Mobile that travels to schools to introduce students to the gift of music, and funded youth music performances in professional venues. PSHA also offers scholarship assistance to encourage music education.

For the annual fundraiser, designers work pro bono and typically are assigned to one room or area per team or individual. This year, according to benefit Chairman and La Cañada resident Kathryn Hofgaarden, it was particularly important for designers to “maintain the historical integrity of the house.”

Architect Paul Revere Williams was the first African-American to become a member of the American Institute of Architects. He is perhaps best known for his work on the theme building at LAX, the coffee shop at the former Ambassador Hotel, and the Hollywood YMCA. Williams also designed 2,000 houses, including those for Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Approximately 40 Williams homes are located in the original Flintridge area of La Cañada.

Designers did highlight and maintain the well-cared for and preserved home. While furnishings and fixtures were updated, the feel of a manor home and country estate was enhanced and embraced.

David Dalton, of David Dalton Inc., was tasked with the Great Room. “It is unusual to find a vintage house untouched,” he said. His work on the sprawling room, which features a vaulted wood ceiling, hand carved fireplace, and lead windows, was inspired by how the room reminded him of a “hunting lodge or cathedral.” Dalton noted that Williams “typically had palatially scaled public rooms” to his houses. Combining classic white and bright colors, as well as a celestial theme, the room presents what Dalton hopes is an “English country manor in a fresh, updated style.”

Inspired by the view and nature outside of the home, designer Kristi Nelson created a bedroom themed for a “lady in waiting.” A mossy green room highlighted with pieces of nature as art, such as pinecones, shells, and a chair covered with moss, the room provides a mix of classic antique elegance and country charm.

Nelson noted her experience “working on historical houses” including her own, and admitted to having in her heart “a special place for restoration work.”

Outside, landscaping was changed to create outdoor dining areas, streams, a wandering path to the pool and a huge outdoor kitchen and garden. Designers used sustainable products and drought tolerant, native plants to enhance the home’s efficiency and green footprint. A guesthouse was created out of a building previously used as stables, giving the home’s grounds the feel of a ranch or country estate.

To visit the showcase house, purchase tickets on the PSHA website or call 714-442-3872. The house is closed to the public on Mondays. As the location of the house is not given to ticket holders in order to keep neighborhood traffic under control, complimentary shuttles are provided from parking areas at the Rose Bowl and other locations.  Shops and a restaurant have also been set up on the property for guest to enjoy.