On a serene stretch of Johnston Lake in Pasadena’s South San Rafael neighborhood sits a stunning lakefront compound. The craftsman-style residence was imagined by architect Doug Ewing, known for designing luxury resorts and several of Pasadena’s most respected estates. The home offers four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and 4,539 square feet of living space on the water. Priced at $6,800,000, 1260 La Loma Road, Pasadena, is listed by Nancy Valentine.
The owners, Chuck and Lisa, formed a connection to this locale long before the house itself existed. Chuck grew up in Pasadena and always dreamed of living on the lake. Shortly after he and Lisa moved to the area, she discovered a photo of her grandparents picnicking beside Johnston Lake in 1921. When a home became available on the lake in 1989, they instantly jumped on the opportunity. In 1997, when the neighboring property came up for sale, they purchased it sight unseen and finally secured a true lakefront site. Their goal was to oversee a design that reflected Pasadena’s architectural traditions and respected the property they had waited many years to own.
The home wasn’t always the stunning, resort-style compound it is today. The owners described how they decided to tap Doug Ewing for their renovation: “When we finally gained access to the house, we were both overwhelmed by the view and underwhelmed by the house. It was a very basic 60’s ranch style. The foliage had overgrown to the point that the front of the house wasn’t visible from the street, and the backyard was nothing but ivy. […] We spent several months driving through neighborhoods looking for the exact style we envisioned. After knocking on doors and asking for the name of their architect, we were astonished to learn that they all were designed by Doug Ewing.” In 2005, nearly the entire structure was taken down and rebuilt, leaving only one original wall.
The architectural result blends Arts and Crafts tradition with a clean, contemporary approach. Hand-hewn beams, natural stone, and reclaimed wood are present throughout the interior. The craftsmanship was executed by the same artisans who worked on the restoration of the Gamble House. The home also reflects a strong commitment to sustainability through the use of native materials, xeriscaping, minimal grading, and careful preservation of mature trees and greenery.
The property’s setting and showstopping design have made it a natural choice for film and television productions. It has acted as a charming backdrop in “Criminal Minds,” “A Deadly Adoption” with Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig, and “Extant” with Halle Berry. The home has also been used in major national commercials for Verizon, Home Depot, and Fruit of the Loom.
Inside, the great room welcomes guests with a stunning first impression. Eighteen-foot ceilings with exposed beams rise above a large stone fireplace. A wall of south-facing windows opens directly to the lake. The stone used throughout the interior and exterior was selected by hand from multiple quarries to match Ewing’s vision. From the main seating area, it is possible to see up to 180 species of birds throughout the year.
The formal dining room is tailored and refined. The chef’s kitchen looks out over the water and includes a breakfast area, a large walk-in pantry, and extensive custom cabinetry. The space is designed for daily function while maintaining the same level of visual impact found throughout the home.
The primary suite is positioned as a serene sanctuary. It includes a fireplace, a large spa-style bath, a walk-in closet, and a patio that opens to the lake. Three additional en-suite bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for family or guests. A separate den with a fireplace provides space for an office or a quiet retreat.
Outdoors, the property opens fully to the landscape. An 80-foot stretch of lake frontage includes a private 30-foot dock. A broad lawn rolls down to the water. Several outdoor terraces sit beneath mature oaks and sycamores. A guest house is set within the grounds and connects seamlessly with the outdoor living areas. Together, these spaces support everything from large gatherings to personal time by the lake. The same, sustainable approach used in the main house continues across the grounds through native plantings careful protection of the original trees.
The location itself is one of the rarest residential settings in Pasadena. The lakefront position and high level of privacy place the property among a small group of truly distinct homes in the city. Residents enjoy catch-and-release fishing by boat along with access to a nearby lakeside park and pool. This compound stands apart as a rare combination of architecture, personal history, and striking natural surroundings.
Listing: 1260 La Loma Road, Pasadena, CA 91105 [Nancy Valentine]
