Historic 1908 Fairbanks House Lists for $4.2 Million in Pasadena, California

Nestled at 217 Oaklawn Ave in South Pasadena, CA 91030, The Fairbanks House stands as a masterpiece crafted by G. Lawrence Stimson in 1908. Stimson’s hallmark of grand homes with meticulous details and top-notch materials is evident in this early example of his work. Originally acquired in 1909 by Charles Warren Fairbanks, Theodore Roosevelt’s vice president, and most recently held by Dr. Gail Victor Anderson, a trailblazer in emergency medicine, this property is now available for the first time in six decades.

Situated on over half an acre in the heart of the Oaklawn Tract, renowned for Greene & Greene’s iconic stone portals, The Fairbanks House boasts a light-filled floor plan designed for modern living. The dramatic entry and grand staircase set the stage for both opulent entertaining and comfortable family life. The living room, featuring a striking fireplace and expansive windows, opens to the grounds with a sunny south exposure. The library showcases tiered mahogany wall brackets and a metal hood over the fireplace, while the formal dining room exudes elegance with a sinuous plate rail and a stellar fireplace bordered by book-matched flame-patterned panels surrounding Grueby green tile.

A rear patio, accessed through remarkable glazed doors and a window wall, overlooks the manicured yard. The spacious eat-in kitchen, equipped with multiple work areas, is designed for large-scale events, complemented by two bathrooms, an oversized laundry room, and an adjacent Butler’s pantry on the main level. The second floor accommodates six bedrooms and four baths, adorned with spirited sets of windows and ample closets. The property offers a full attic and sizable basement, providing over 2,400 additional square feet for storage and potential expansion.

Noteworthy features include an elevator, refinished oak and maple floors, rich moldings, original wood windows, lath and plaster walls, fresh exterior paint, and a retrofitted foundation. In the rear, a wide driveway leads to a 3-car detached garage with a carport and workshop, along with a sport court. Mature trees and tall hedges ensure privacy on a street renowned for its architecturally significant residences. Seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a magnificent Craftsman estate in a prime location with award-winning South Pasadena schools.