Description

The Bixby Ranch House | Coxhead & Coxhead, Architects | 1887 - 1890 --- Perched at the highest point in Bixby Knolls, the iconic Bixby Ranch House stands as one of Southern California’s most remarkable examples of Shingle Style architecture. Commissioned by George H. Bixby—eldest son of Long Beach’s founding family—and his wife Amelia, this architectural treasure was designed by esteemed English architects Ernest and Almeric Coxhead. Completed in 1890 after three years of meticulous construction, the home originally served as both the Bixby Family residence and the headquarters for their expansive ranching and real estate ventures. Wrapped entirely in hand-laid cedar shingles with gracefully flared rooflines, this three-story masterpiece blends timeless design with commanding presence. Inside, the grand entry hall boasts soaring ceilings and flows seamlessly into a series of dramatic, light-filled living spaces. The formal living and family rooms each feature impressive fireplaces and oversized leaded glass bay windows, bathing the interiors in natural light. The richly detailed billiard room is a showpiece in itself, with imported quarter-sawn White Oak coffered ceilings, custom cabinetry, a stately Emerald Green marble fireplace, and period lighting that exudes old-world elegance. At the heart of the home is the dining room, framed by a monumental bank of leaded glass windows and anchored by the original solid White Oak dining table, all with views of the lush grounds and a magnificent old-growth Magnolia tree. This storied residence has been home to prominent figures, including oil tycoon Thomas Gilcrease, and has undergone an exhaustive restoration under its current ownership. Every window and door has been expertly restored, while the exterior and roof were completely re-shingled to original specifications. Modern upgrades blend seamlessly with the historic fabric of the home, including a six-zone HVAC system, a full electrical update, and discreet photo sensor-activated exterior lighting. Located within the exclusive, gated enclave of La Linda Drive—home to just 35 properties—The Bixby Ranch House offers unmatched privacy, historical grandeur, and walkable access to the heart of Bixby Knolls. A true architectural gem, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the discerning buyer seeking extraordinary craftsmanship, refined comfort, and timeless elegance.