Description

//Charles A Goodyear House, 'Knollcrest' by G. Lawrence Stimson, 1913// Built in 1913 for lumber baron Charles Goodyear and his wife, Henrietta, Knollcrest occupies 2.5 acres (Lots 18 and 19) within the original Oak Knoll subdivision. Widely regarded as one of the finest homesites in the development, its commanding position atop a gentle knoll--overlooking a sweeping front lawn--earned the estate its enduring name. //The residence was designed by prominent architect G. Lawrence Stimson, best known for the Wrigley Mansion. It is said that Goodyear commissioned the home, in part, to incorporate his extensive collection of custom-made furnishings and artifacts, resulting in a structure conceived to be entirely fireproof. Original wrought-iron gates frame the estate's 330' frontage along Oakland Ave, connected by a circular drive culminating in a porte-cochere. A rare secondary driveway, running N/S with automatic gate, is accessed via Allendale Rd. //True to Stimson's architectural language, the main residence features stately mahogany-paneled public rooms w/10' ceilings, upper-level bedrooms w/9' ceilings, hand-carved moldings, marble flooring and staircase, and living room w/restored Caucasian walnut floors accented by ebony inlay. Remarkably, much of the original woodwork and artisan-crafted built-ins remain intact and in exceptional condition. Living space spans three levels, with additional attic area above. //A secondary structure--recently updated w/full kitchen and BA--serves as a guest house, adjacent to garage w/BA, and pool. In total, Knollcrest comprises 8,713 sf of living space across all structures, complemented by an additional 5,087 sf of garage/storage space. //Following the Goodyears, the estate was stewarded by a succession of prominent families, including U.S. Steel president Thomas Cole and department store scion and philanthropist Samuel Robinson, before being acquired by the current owner in 1966. In 1968, Knollcrest was selected as the 4th Pasadena Showcase House and has since served as the backdrop for numerous motion pictures. //Defined by its rich history, architectural pedigree, prominent setting, and intact original acreage, Knollcrest stands among Pasadena's landmark estates. Offered for the first time in six decades, it represents a rare opportunity to steward a significant Los Angeles family estate for generations to come.