The Architect Behind California’s ‘Volcano House’ Designed This $3.8 Million Pasadena Midcentury Haven

A recently restored midcentury modern estate designed by Harold J. Bissner Jr., the architect behind California's famous Volcano House, just hit the market in Pasadena, CA, for $3,800,000.

The newly updated four-bedroom residence, modernized by Design, Bitches, sits on nearly a half-acre of privacy.

"This one is beautifully sited in the northeastern part of Pasadena, and it's positioned where the home wraps an adjacent hillside and the pool is sequestered from onlookers," says listing agent George Penner of the George Penner Team at Compass. "What is also rare and uncommon is that it has a lighted tennis/pickleball court. To have a tennis court estate with a pool is quite remarkable."

Built in 1960, the 4,131-square-foot ranch with a gable roof has post-and-beam construction, clerestory windows, tile and concrete floors, and sliding glass doors to the outdoor living space.

A double door with translucent sidelight bubble panels opens to a foyer with honed tiling.

The sun-soaked interior, offering an effortless transition to the outdoors, features a living room with a travertine fireplace and Fleetwood sliders that open to the garden patio, designed for entertaining and relaxing.

"Design, Bitches did a beautiful job extracting the emotion of the midcentury home and adding greater livability for users today," Penner notes. "They did an amazing job. Everything works harmoniously."

Penner says the calming interior feels "like you're entering a spa. Your blood pressure literally reduces the moment you walk into the home."

A gourmet chef's kitchen has custom Effeti Cucine cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and high-end appliances, including Miele convection and steam ovens. Sliders from the dining area offer direct access to the backyard patio, pool, and fire pit, surrounded by peaceful views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

"The integrated dining room opening to the rear pool feels very opulent," he notes.

Other highlights include a fitness center with direct entry to the side motor court, a primary suite with French wood oak floors and a sunken tub, a service wing with a secondary kitchen, and a four-car carport.

Penner believes that, because of its ideal location just 15 miles northeast of Los Angeles, the home will likely be used as a primary residence.

"It is certainly within the circumference of L.A. commuting," he says. "Kinneloa is an undiscovered area out of Pasadena, but with the growth of Sierra Madre, it has become more of a hot topic these days. This home is an exceptional value. It would be three times the cost if it were on the west side."