LA CASA BONITA 

Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA  •  Web ID: XGFZ

This Spanish Colonial Revival style home was built by renowned architect Myron Hunt in 1922. Secluded behind tall hedges in the prestigious Meadow Grove neighborhood, this gated estate offers uncompromised privacy and security. The home was aptly named La Casa Bonita, “the Beautiful House”. The formal front gardens with manicured hedges, sweeping lawns, abundant white roses and large flowing fountain welcomes guests to the park-like grounds.

This extraordinary home was built by artisans using the finest of materials and craftsmanship during an era that set the standard for architectural integrity. The inviting, 80-foot wide front veranda, complete with seating and dining area, overlooks the serenity of the garden. Large French doors opening to the living room create a blended living space ideal for entertaining and everyday California living. The hand painted front door, depicting scenes of European destinations the original owners visited on their honeymoon, sets the stage for the meticulous attention to detail found throughout the house.

The impressive entry hall features 14-foot high arched ceilings that are hand painted with gilded stars and a compass rose. Original wall sconces highlight interesting textures on the walls where wood forms were used during construction. The entry opens to a double door paneled library with beautiful views of the back garden and San Gabriel mountains . Decorative iron gates frame the entrance to the grand living room. Iron chandeliers illuminate the wood paneled ceiling that features images of Sun Warriors and Harvest Gods. The carved marble mantel was imported from and is an elegant focal point of the room. Adjacent to the living room is a tile floor bar that’s perfect for entertaining.

There are five bedrooms, each with its own unique architectural character. The bedrooms have unique hand painted scenes on the doors. The spacious master suite features a sitting area and outdoor access to the Jacuzzi retreat and the rose garden terrace, complete with wall sparkling fountain and lounging area. The Chinoiserie room is the crown jewel of the house. “It is said that in all the world there are only two such rooms, this one in La Casa Bonita and one constructed for the German Kaiser in his palace.” (excerpt from an article in the Pasadena Star-News in 1926) This room is truly a timeless treasure. The silk-covered walls feature ornate gold leaf accents. There are beautifully carved dragons on the built-in side table, mirrors and wall sconces. The original carved bed frame and headboard features a temple with a regal elephant. The gilded ceiling is decorated with Chinese symbols for luck and good fortune.

Additional living areas, including the kitchen, dining room, breakfast room and family room have been updated, yet maintain the old world charm and elegance of the home. This is a rare opportunity to own a landmark estate in beautiful La , Flintridge.

Historical Significance

La Casa Bonita was built for Earl Barker, of Barker Brothers Furniture, by renowned architect Myron Hunt in 1922. The home was one of the original estates in Flintridge. According to the archives of the Los Angeles Times, the cost to build and furnish the house was $300,000. This was an astronomical sum in 1922 when the average-sized house and lot could be purchased for less than $5,000. The poured concrete exterior walls are 24-inches thick with an air gap in the middle for insulation. This unique technique known as Johnson Hollow Construction was one of Hunt’s trademarks. Myron Hunt is best known for his large-scale projects such as the Biltmore Hotel, now Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy , Flintridge Country Club, now Flintridge Prep, the Rose Bowl, the Huntington Library, Pasadena Main Library and Occidental College .

Special Features

Entry Hall
• Original Wall Sconces
• 24-inch Thick Poured Concrete Walls
• 14-Foot High Barrel Arched Ceiling
• Ceiling Compass Rose and Gilded Stars

Library

• Original Milk Glass Ceiling Light Fixture

Dining Room

• Stenciled Beams
• Original Wall Sconces

Kitchen

• Original Transom to Breakfast Room
• Dutch Door

Living Room

• Decorative Iron Gates
• Original Iron Drapery Rods
• Marble Mantel imported from

Wine Bar

• Original Tile Floor
• Marble Threshold
• Decorative Pocket Gates

Chinese Suite

Silk Covered Walls
• Chinoiserie Gilded Accents
• Original Bed
• Built-in Mirrors
• Dragon Side Table
• Carved Window Valences
• Chinese Wedding Urn Ceiling Light Fixture
• Dragon Wall Sconces
• Chinese Scenes on Doors

Master Bedroom

• French Theme Painted Doors
• Original Wall Sconces

Master Bath

• Barrel Arch Ceiling
• Arched Beveled Mirrors
• Oval Window above Toilet
• Original Wall Sconces

North Bedroom

• Original Venetian-Theme Painted Door
• Antique Stained Glass Window
• Built-in Bookcase/Window Seat

East Bedroom

• Original Venetian-Theme Painted Door
• Antique Stained Glass Windows
• Original Wall Sconces
• Built-in Bookcases
• Iron Balcony

South Bedroom

• Original Venetian-Theme Painted Door
• Antique Stained Glass Window
• Built-in Bookcases
• Iron Balcony

Laundry Area

• Washer and Dryer are on a raised platform for easy access.

Amenities

Basement features a Workshop, Wine Storage Area and Original Walk-In Commercial Bank Vault
• Jacuzzi
• Green House
• Garden Fountains
• Alarm System
• Electric Entrance Gate
• 3 Zone Heating/AC
• Upgraded Electrical and Plumbing

Special Architectural Features

• Original Light Fixtures
• Chinoiserie Suite
• Stained Glass Windows
• Hand Painted Doors and Ceilings
• Decorative Tile Flooring
• Ornate Wrought Iron Accents
• Marble Thresholds
• Marble Mantel
• Hardwood floors
• Secret Compartments

And many other unique features to numerous to mention.