The Lester G Baldwin House, an architectural masterpiece designed in 1924 by prominent architect George Washington Smith, a brilliant visionary celebrated as the ''Father of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture'', is available for the first time in over 51 years. Nestled in a prestigious neighborhood by the world-renowned Huntington Library Gardens, Smith created an Andalusian treasure resplendent in detail and character, with exquisite Moorish and Spanish architectural elements elaborately displayed within the estate's monumental walls. Lovingly maintained, updated and cherished by its long-time owners, this pedigreed home embodies the romance and craftsmanship of a bygone era. The picturesque white-washed facade of the Baldwin House is reminiscent of homes in the south of Spain, where Smith spent a considerable amount of time. A romanticized gateway lends view to Moorish arched garage doors and a grand cobblestone motor court. Enter through a hand-hewn front door into a beautiful foyer with glazed tile floors, original sconces and a charming powder room. A spectacular hallway with Moorish arches leads to a magnificent library, a baronial living room and a formal dining room. Using the finest materials, such as heavy timbers, custom millwork, hand-forged glazed tiles, intricate grill work and French doors, Smith transformed Andalusian simplicity into one of suburban splendor. His refined talent of 'turning' the house away from the street allows this magical home to open to a glorious sun-drenched rear yard, complemented by a wonderful family room, spacious gourmet kitchen
The Lester G Baldwin House, an architectural masterpiece designed in 1924 by prominent architect George Washington Smith, a brilliant visionary celebrated as the ''Father of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture'', is available for the first time in over 51 years. Nestled in a prestigious neighborhood by the world-renowned Huntington Library Gardens, Smith created an Andalusian treasure resplendent in detail and character, with exquisite Moorish and Spanish architectural elements elaborately displayed within the estate's monumental walls. Lovingly maintained, updated and cherished by its long-time owners, this pedigreed home embodies the romance and craftsmanship of a bygone era. The picturesque white-washed facade of the Baldwin House is reminiscent of homes in the south of Spain, where Smith spent a considerable amount of time. A romanticized gateway lends view to Moorish arched garage doors and a grand cobblestone motor court. Enter through a hand-hewn front door into a beautiful foyer with glazed tile floors, original sconces and a charming powder room. A spectacular hallway with Moorish arches leads to a magnificent library, a baronial living room and a formal dining room. Using the finest materials, such as heavy timbers, custom millwork, hand-forged glazed tiles, intricate grill work and French doors, Smith transformed Andalusian simplicity into one of suburban splendor. His refined talent of 'turning' the house away from the street allows this magical home to open to a glorious sun-drenched rear yard, complemented by a wonderful family room, spacious gourmet kitchen with breakfast area, and multiple outdoor terraces. Perfect for extravagant entertaining or intimate enjoyment, the gorgeous park-like grounds mirror the casual elegance of this Spanish jewel, with its inviting pool, spa, barbecue, orchard and grassy yard, and complements the mystique of Smith's overall design. A downstairs bedroom suite, an office, and a delightful pool casita, complete the first level. Gracing the sprawling second floor are four enormous bedroom suites with walk-in closets, and verdant garden and mountain views, three full bathrooms, and an exterior stairway. Only a stone's throw from coveted San Marino public schools, the Huntington Library, Caltech, Polytechnic School, the Langham Huntington Hotel, and with easy freeway access to DTLA and the West side, this beloved historical estate is truly an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.