1928 Monterey Colonial Estate By Architect Reginald D. Johnson Just Listed

21515 Trappe Rd, Upperville, VA 20184

Set amid five verdant acres in the heart of Pasadena, 1220 Hillcrest Avenue is a true American masterpiece—a residence that fuses architectural grandeur with horticultural artistry. Priced at $22,000,000, this 1928 Monterey Colonial estate, designed by the famed architect Reginald D. Johnson, embodies nearly a century of Pasadena’s most refined traditions in architecture, craftsmanship, and landscape design. Known as the Bauer/Cannell Estate & Gardens, the property represents a living work of art—a symphony of proportion, heritage, and natural beauty that captures the timeless grace of California’s golden age of estates.

Stepping onto the grounds of this historic property is like entering a private park, where every path, tree, and terrace has been meticulously planned to balance grandeur with serenity. The five-acre parcel is surrounded by stately oaks, olive trees, and formal rose gardens, each contributing to a sense of cultivated tranquility. The main residence sits elevated above sweeping lawns, its symmetrical Monterey Colonial façade framed by balconies, whitewashed walls, and deep-set windows—an architectural language that reflects both Spanish heritage and early California elegance.

Built in 1928, the home is considered one of Reginald D. Johnson’s finest achievements. Johnson, whose architectural portfolio includes the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel, the Biltmore in Phoenix, and numerous significant Southern California residences, was celebrated for his ability to combine classical symmetry with the warmth of California living. In 1220 Hillcrest Avenue, Johnson achieved a rare harmony of proportion, flow, and craftsmanship that continues to inspire architects and historians alike.

The Bauer/Cannell Estate has had only two families in its 96-year history—an extraordinary testament to its enduring appeal and quality. Over nearly a century, it has stood as both a private sanctuary and a cultural landmark. The property is officially recognized in the City of Pasadena’s Survey of Historic Gardens and listed as a contributing property in the proposed National Register Historic District, confirming its architectural and historical importance.

In 2025, the estate gained further acclaim when it was selected as the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, one of the most prestigious design events in California. For this occasion, thirty of the country’s top interior designers reimagined the residence, infusing it with fresh creativity while preserving its classical spirit. Over the course of a month-long celebration, the estate became the centerpiece of philanthropic events and design exhibitions, reaffirming its position as one of Pasadena’s most iconic addresses.

A sweeping circular drive introduces the estate, curving through manicured gardens to arrive at a grand motor court flanked by a ten-car garage and a charming guest house. The approach sets the tone for the home’s blend of grandeur and hospitality—stately, yet inviting; formal, yet alive with the pulse of California light and air.

The grounds unfold in layers, designed to evoke the feeling of a private botanical retreat. Stone pathways meander through lawns and rose gardens, past ancient oaks whose canopies filter dappled sunlight onto terraces and fountains. The main terrace commands the heart of the outdoor space, overlooking a sparkling pool and a pool house that echo the architecture of the main residence. Beyond the terrace, a north-south tennis court lies beneath a canopy of mature trees, offering both recreation and refuge. Every vista, from the terraced gardens to the distant San Gabriel Mountains, has been carefully composed to evoke timeless beauty and calm.

Inside, the 15,533-square-foot residence unfolds across 18 grandly scaled rooms, each rich with detail and history. Ten of these rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces, each distinctively designed—some in carved stone, others in hand-painted tile or fine woodwork. The craftsmanship is evident everywhere: hand-hewn beams, paneled ceilings, wrought-iron railings, and intricate moldings reveal the artistry of a bygone era. Yet the estate is not frozen in time; thoughtful modern updates have ensured that it remains a fully functional, comfortable home for contemporary living.

The grand foyer welcomes visitors with classic Monterey Colonial grace—a balance of openness and intimacy. Formal entertaining rooms flow effortlessly into one another, designed to accommodate both lavish gatherings and quiet evenings. The living room, anchored by a monumental fireplace, opens through French doors to the terrace, allowing indoor and outdoor spaces to merge seamlessly. The formal dining room, with its arched windows and garden views, feels at once stately and serene.

The library offers a retreat for reflection, with rich wood paneling, built-in bookcases, and soft natural light filtering through leaded glass windows. The chef’s kitchen, fully updated, blends traditional design with top-of-the-line appliances and marble countertops—an inviting space for family meals or elegant entertaining.

Upstairs, the primary suite embodies understated luxury. Its spacious bedroom, private sitting area, and dual dressing rooms exude sophistication and comfort. French doors open to a private balcony overlooking the gardens and distant hills, while the fireplace adds warmth and romance. The suite’s bathroom combines timeless elegance with modern spa-like features, creating a tranquil personal retreat. Each of the additional five bedrooms is generously proportioned, offering en suite baths and unique architectural features that highlight the home’s attention to detail.

Among the estate’s most remarkable qualities is its balance of scale and intimacy. Despite its 15,533 square feet and 13 baths, the home maintains a sense of warmth and proportion that feels human and harmonious. Every room offers a view, every hallway a story, every material a connection to the home’s heritage. The blend of classic Monterey Colonial architecture—characterized by its symmetrical lines, wrought-iron balconies, and deep overhanging eaves—with Pasadena’s garden culture creates a property that feels both timeless and alive.

The Bauer/Cannell Estate & Gardens also stands as a symbol of Pasadena’s architectural and cultural legacy. During the early 20th century, Pasadena emerged as a haven for artists, architects, and industrialists seeking both beauty and innovation. The Hillcrest Avenue area became one of its most prestigious neighborhoods, home to estates that embodied the era’s ideals of craftsmanship and design. This property, with its historical designation and meticulous preservation, continues that tradition—serving as a bridge between the city’s storied past and its vibrant present.

Architect Reginald D. Johnson’s influence can still be felt throughout the property. His ability to merge Spanish Colonial Revival warmth with American classicism gave rise to a uniquely Californian architectural expression—elegant, livable, and timeless. Johnson’s vision emphasized natural light, flow between interior and exterior spaces, and the use of natural materials. At 1220 Hillcrest Avenue, these principles are realized with perfection.

From the moment one enters through the hand-forged gates to the final view across the gardens, every aspect of the estate invites reflection on the artistry of its design. It is not simply a home—it is a living landmark, a statement of grace and permanence. The integration of architecture, landscape, and history makes it not only one of Pasadena’s most extraordinary properties but one of California’s architectural treasures.

Owning this estate means becoming the custodian of a property that tells a story stretching nearly a century—a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and enduring beauty. It offers the rare opportunity to inhabit a work of living history while enjoying all the comforts and sophistication of modern luxury.

1220 Hillcrest Avenue is not just real estate; it is a once-in-a-generation offering that celebrates everything that makes Pasadena extraordinary—its architecture, gardens, and heritage. To walk its halls and grounds is to experience the legacy of California’s architectural golden age, preserved with devotion and vision.

The Bauer/Cannell Estate & Gardens stands today as a beacon of historical and architectural significance, a place where artistry, design, and nature coexist in perfect harmony. In every stone, tree, and beam, the spirit of Reginald D. Johnson’s genius endures—a timeless reminder that true beauty transcends eras, and true architecture is forever.

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