One of the best things about Los Angeles is the variety of architectural styles. From Santa Monica to Pasadena you’ll find amazing examples of Spanish colonial revival, storybook, mid-century modern, French Normandy, tudor, and of course American craftsman style.
I’m embarrassed to admit that last week was my first time visiting Greene & Greene’s Gamble house in Pasadena. Built from 1907-1909 for David Berry Gamble of Proctor and Gamble, it served as a summer home for the family whose main residence was in Ohio.
American Craftsman architecture was highly influenced by Swiss chalet and Japanese temple architecture. In a revolt from the small, stuffy rooms in Victorian homes, craftmans like this tend to have open living spaces and wide hallways. What is so special about this house, is that it was built by hand using 17 species of wood. Each window itself is a piece of fine art glass.
Lucky for us, the family gifted the home to the government and it was added to the nation register of historic places in 1971 and declared a national historic landmark in 1977. Docent tours are held seven days a week, so if you are in the area, do not miss a chance to see this masterpiece. Interior photography is not allowed, hence all my exterior shots. For images of the interior, visit the Gamble House website.
Jess McNaughton 