Century-Old Pasadena Estate With an Incredible Architectural Pedigree Hits the Market for $11 Million

A rare opportunity to own a grand estate that epitomizes California elegance and stands as a lasting landmark of architectural elegance has come to the market in Pasadena—with an asking price that is as elevated as its stately interiors.

The five-bedroom dwelling at the heart of the 4-acre property was designed by celebrated architects Roland Coate, Reginald Davis Johnson, and Gordon Kaufmann, and completed in 1924.

Today, the property remains one of the largest private estates in Southwest Pasadena, offering the same level of grandeur that was enjoyed during the roaring '20s and the same structural precision that its three designers afforded their most legendary projects, which included Greystone Mansion, the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel, and the All Saints Episcopal Church.

The three architects had only joined forces under the Johnson, Kaufmann & Coate banner two years before designing the Pasadena property, having sought to tackle bigger projects than they were able to handle by themselves.

Their collaboration on 600 Columbia St., which is listed with George Penner of Compass, was a testament to that ambition, creating a home that embodies English Period Revival elegance and looks much like the grand stately homes that were once resided in by British royalty.

But it was a pioneer of industry, rather than royalty, who commissioned the estate.

The home was built for Wilfred Keefer Barnard, a civil engineer for the Pacific Electric Co., and his wife Katherine C. Barnard.

Much like the architects who designed his dwelling, Barnard contributed significantly to the development of Southern California, playing a key role in shaping its infrastructure, including the construction of Union Station, the modernization of the Los Angeles Harbor, and the addition of a Montecito water tunnel.

His father-in-law, Eli P. Clark, was a visionary behind the region’s first interurban electric railway.

The Barnards raised their two children in the home, enjoying it as their family residence for over 50 years—a testament to the estate's enduring livability and timeless appeal. 

After the Barnards, the property was sold in 1976 to Dr. Earl Brian and his wife, Jane Brian. After they divorced, Jane maintained the dwelling for nearly 50 more years, living there with her second husband, John J. Fehrenbacher.

Jane, a native of Danville, VA, who forged a successful dance career out of Raleigh, NC, was a longtime patron of the arts within her local community, including tenure as chairwoman of the Pasadena Showcase House.

Her deep appreciation for design and decorative arts undoubtedly contributed to the estate’s enduring care and preservation.

Jane died in 2021 and her former home has now been put on the market for only the second time in its illustrious history, having been meticulously maintained by all of its former owners.

The estate’s interiors reflect the architectural pedigree of its creators, with formal living and dining spaces ideal for entertaining, as well as expansive bedrooms, and elegantly proportioned public rooms.

Several of the main living areas on the ground floor feature their own fireplaces, which, combined with the wood paneling that is found in many of the rooms, creates a truly cozy feel, even as the California sun streams in through the leaded windows.

Its primary suite features a beautiful fireplace, as well as access to a private balcony, which offers a serene and private escape overlooking the elegantly manicured gardens.

Signature details include intricate woodwork and period-appropriate fixtures, creating a home that balances sophistication with warmth.

The central hallways, flowing layout, and generous room sizes are a signature of Coate, who was known for crafting serene and private residences for Hollywood elite while maintaining formal street-facing facades.

From the outside, the home features concrete construction with brick cladding and distinctive pitched slate roofs, combining timeless proportions with exceptional craftsmanship. Its elevated position allows commanding views over the Arroyo Seco, the Colorado Street Bridge, and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Indeed, a large part of the property’s allure is found its outdoor space. Designed by Paul G. Thiene, a German-trained horticulturist and landscape visionary, the gardens stay true to his Mediterranean-inspired vision.

Thiene’s work includes terraces, pools, and immersive gardens that harmonize with Southern California’s natural environment. The grounds feature a tennis court, vast lawns, twisting vines, and mature trees, all optimized to take advantage of the property’s sweeping views.

A pool and party deck provide ample space for entertaining, while intimate garden corners allow for quiet reflection.

While the Pasadena housing market is no stranger to luxurious multimillion-dollar homes, listing agent Penner says what truly makes this property stand out from the crowd is the size of its impressive parcel, which he notes is "one of the nine largest" in the area.

"[It] combines sprawling lawns, a lighted tennis court, and spectacular Arroyo views,” he said.

“It is very rare to have an architectural home like this with this size lot come on the market. Located in the highly desirable area of Southwest Pasadena, which is drawing not only local residents but entertainment and executives migrating from the Westside as well.”