La Canada Flintridge is the location of this year’s, 2012, Pasadena Showcase House!

Each year, approximately 40,000 visitors tour the Pasadena’s Showcase House of Design.  Over the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure of touring San Marino’s Italian Renaissance Revival, the Cravens estate and last year’s Paul Revere Williamson’s English Country Manor.

This year, Showcase House for the Arts presents a grand 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival in La Canada which will be open April 15, 2012 through May 13, 2012.  Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Named Casa de las Puertas, the house of doors, for the many wood-carved, leather tufted and metal-clad interior doors found throughout the house.   Many original features of the home were preserved like the three Murphy beds, the beautiful tile in the entry stairs and the ceiling in the telephone room.  What struck me about this particular villa was that almost every room had a spectacular view of the grounds and the city around it.  Very tranquil, peaceful and grand at the same time.

Just like with all Showcase Home, you leave feeling as if a home has a bit of a personality disorder, with so many different designers putting their own spin on the space allocated to them.  But, you also leave with a slew of decorating ideas and a couple of AHAs!

I absolutely loved the little girl’s room with the stencils on the ceiling which almost appeared like a projection when the light hit them just right.  The artist’s cottage was spectacular.  The light fixture in the telephone room transformed the small space walls with its almost iridescent-like charm.  One of the bathrooms with open windows that automatically draws you to want to explore th outdoors.  The breeze way had an amazing view and the outdoor space just begged for entertaining.

Things to Know:

• There is no parking allowed at the Showcase House itself.  Parking is at the Rose Bowl – Lot I
• There will be shuttles waiting to take you to the Showcase House.  Expect a 10 to 15 minute ride.
• Wear flat shoes.
• Photography is not allowed.
• Kids under 12 are not permitted.
• Unfortunately, the house is not handicap accessible

There is a wonderful restaurant on site catered by Wolfgang Puck and as always plenty of local vendors at the store.  Perfect place to pick up a Mother’s Day Gift.

And… of course, this is truly one of the best 365 Things To Do in Pasadena® activities.

Let me know what you think and what your favorite rooms are!