A seven-bedroom house in San Marino designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff as his own home is asking $10.78 million, a $1 million trim since it hit the market in May.
The gated property sits directly across from the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
Neff was celebrated for pioneering designs of Southern California homes that drew on Italian, Spanish colonial-revival and other influences, and his elite clients once included Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. He received numerous accolades, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award in 1930. He died in 1982 at 87.
The two-story San Marino home was meant to evoke a Tuscan villa, and constructed in 1928 for a whopping (at the time) $40,000, according to historian Tim Gregory, aka The Building Biographer.
The house at 1883 Orlando Road is reached via a motor court with a center fountain surrounded by mature trees and gardens. That setting was featured in the movie, “The Holiday” in 2006, says Brent Chang of Compass, who is co-listing the property.
Beyond the grand entry are a flowing staircase and walk-in bar. The living room’s coved ceilings, chandeliers, iron wall sconces and large fireplace are original to the 10,324-square-foot house.
In the library are a corner fireplace and carved wood ceiling. The dining room sits behind carved, wooden double doors and overlooks an inner courtyard and a garden. Nearby is a breakfast area. Hand-painted, tile countertops adorn the kitchen.
A family room sports another fireplace, along with built-in bookcases. French doors lead to the swimming pool, added later, and wide lawns. Downstairs is a large media and game room. Guest quarters have a separate entry.
A side courtyard with a fountain, paddle tennis court, barbecue area and rose garden help fill the grounds.
In late November, just over $1 million was shaved off the initial $11.8 million asking price. Linda Chang, also of Compass, is co-listing the home.
Neff was the son of Edwin Neff and Nettie McNally, the daughter of mapmaker Andrew McNally, whose own home in Altadena is on the market for $3.2 million.
See more Hot Homes here
