A stunning example of 1930s California modernist architecture has hit the Pasadena real estate market, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural history. The Laing House, designed by Harwell Hamilton Harris in 1935, is currently listed for $1,680,000 and represents one of the most well-preserved examples of early California modernism available today.
Located at 1642 Pleasant Way in Pasadena, California, this remarkable 1,449-square-foot home sits on a 0.13-acre lot and features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property showcases the distinctive architectural elements that made Harris famous, including stucco walls, broad eaves, ribbon windows, and a distinctive boxed-in balcony that offers breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Harwell Hamilton Harris designed this home early in his career, marking it as his second built residence. The project came after Harris had spent several formative years working in the office of renowned architect Richard Neutra, where he learned the importance of modular design principles. However, it was the work of Frank Lloyd Wright that initially inspired Harris to pursue architecture, particularly after a pivotal visit to Wright's Hollyhock House years earlier.
The home was specifically commissioned by Caltech professor Graham Laing, who had unique requirements for the residence. Laing requested not only a comfortable family home but also a space capable of accommodating lectures for 25 to 30 students, reflecting the academic lifestyle of the era. This dual purpose influenced Harris's design approach, creating spaces that flow seamlessly into one another and feel much larger than their actual square footage would suggest.
Stepping up from the street level, visitors encounter a thoughtfully designed one-story structure consisting of two distinct volumes that are separated at the entrance. The architectural layout creates an elegant sense of separation while maintaining visual and spatial connectivity throughout the home. Each room unfolds naturally into the next, creating an sense of spaciousness that maximizes the compact footprint.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this property is its exceptional state of preservation. Throughout the home, original windows, doors, cabinetry, hardware, and light fixtures remain remarkably intact, offering new owners an authentic glimpse into 1930s design sensibilities. This level of preservation is increasingly rare in California's competitive real estate market, where many historic homes have been extensively modified or renovated beyond recognition.
Both the guest and primary bedrooms feature an entire wall of south-facing glass doors that open directly to the rear yard, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living that was revolutionary for its time. This design element not only floods the interior spaces with natural light but also creates a strong connection to the carefully planned landscape.
The original garden design was composed entirely of California native plants and was developed in consultation with Theodore Payne, a legendary figure in California horticulture and native plant conservation. This collaboration between architect and landscape designer created a cohesive vision that celebrated the region's natural beauty while supporting local ecosystems.
To the northeast, a front balcony extends outward from the main living area, providing residents with spectacular views of the San Gabriel Mountains. This outdoor space serves as both a private retreat and an extension of the interior living areas, embodying the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle that became a hallmark of regional architecture.
The property is currently being marketed by Nate Cole and Lilian Pfaff of Modern California House, who specialize in architecturally significant properties throughout Southern California. The listing represents a rare opportunity for buyers interested in owning a piece of California's rich architectural heritage while enjoying the benefits of a thoughtfully designed living space that remains highly functional for contemporary life.
