Day 2 of 365 Things To Do in Pasadena™: Pasadena Showcase House

Time is running out! This is the last weekend to visit Pasadena Showcase House which is being held at the Cravens Estate, now better known as the home of the American Red Cross.

The Craven Estate was featured in many television shows like “The Practice”, “Murder She Wrote”, “Beverly Hills 90210”, and “Judging Amy” amongst others. It was also used in a few Hollywood blockbusters like “Traffic”, “Enemy of the State” and “Swordfish”.

It’s located at 430 Madeline Drive off of Orange Grove Boulevard. However, when you’re visiting the Showcase House, Parking is at the Rose Bowl. Shuttles run every few minutes and will take you to the estate.

Pasadena Showcase House is also known as the House of Design.  Local designers are invited to transform an assigned room in the estate.  From the Grand Entrance to the Outdoor Gardens, you’ll get plenty of ideas to implement in your own home.

Not only do you get to see the beautiful architecture and the creativity and transformation of designers, there are exclusive vendors and shops and a wonderful outdoors restaurant where you can enjoy a nice lunch or just grab a cup of coffee.

A bit of history on the Cravens Estate

Designed in 1930 for Mr. & Mrs. Cravens by the San Francisco architect, Lewis P. Hobart who was inspired by the baroque Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte.  The same chateau which was also an inspiration for the Versailles.

This luxury home features 50 rooms and originally cost $310,000 to build.  At the time, it was the most expensive home in Pasadena.  The estimated square footage was 19,970 sq. ft.

Mr. & Mrs. Cravens shared their home with 32 servants!

So, if you don’t have set plans this weekend, take this opportunity to visit the Cravens Estate.  Tickets can be purchased here.