He Designed Beverly Hills’ Most Expensive Estate—Now His Personal $4.2 Million South Pasadena Sanctuary Is for Sale

A legacy compound in South Pasadena, CA, built in 1978 and designed by architect Bob Ray Offenhauser as his family’s private sanctuary, has just hit the market for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Offenhauser, who died in 2016, is best known for having designed some of the most opulent estates, including Palazzo di Amore in Beverly Hills, which was America’s most expensive listing when it hit the market for $195 million in 2014.

Despite his grandiose designs, Offenhauser opted for a more intimate residence for his family home. The three-bedroom sanctuary listed for $4.199 million sits on a nearly half-acre lot that was once part of the grounds associated with Villa Arno, the historic Tanner-Behr estate.

Bob’s son, Madison Offenhauser, said his parents built the residence with the intention of it being an empty-nest retreat after he and his sister went off to college.

“My parents lived here for 40 years happily,” he says. “They loved to entertain and for two decades had sit-down dinners in the garden room the last Sunday of every month for 40 people. My parents were exceptional hosts and entertained in the finest style. My husband and I, having attended many of these dinners, remember the laughter and energy of these nights.”

The 2,837-square-foot estate was designed by the prominent architect along with an adjoining residence at 543 Columbia Street, which Offenhauser lovingly named his “Grand Pearls.”

Following the eventual subdivision of the larger estate, he used part of the former grounds to create his pair of Columbia Street houses. The neighboring homes were created with a European approach to living, “inseparable from its gardens.”

Located near the Arroyo Seco, the stunning residence has remained in the family for decades.

Tall perimeter walls surround the gated sanctuary for privacy, and a fountain courtyard provides a welcoming centerpiece for guests.

An opulent great room features his signature 14-foot ceilings, skylights, and an 18th-century limestone fireplace.

“I love the light in the house,” Madison notes. “The large glass windows and skylights make the outside gardens part of the interior of the house, which is one of my father’s signatures of his designs. My favorite place is in the great room with the fire burning with the glass wall slid open.”

A 12-foot-wide disappearing glass wall opens the interior living space to an outdoor garden. Other designer details include terra-cotta, stone, and wood floors, brick accents, skylights, arched windows and doors, and custom built-ins.

Luxurious amenities include a garden room, a chef’s kitchen with a walk-in butler’s pantry, and an in-ground pool and spa.

Outside, the private property features reflecting basins, mature landscaping, and individual gardens.

"My parents and we have always kept the residence in great condition honoring the original design," Madison notes. "There have not been changes to the original design, only restoration when needed. We have a home in Palm Springs and are building a home in San Miguel de Allende, so it’s now time for another owner to love and enjoy this wonderful home as our family has for more than 45 years."

Eric Lavey of Eric Lavey + Partners is the listing agent.