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Overview

This one-story, Southern California, contemporary, ranch house was erected in 1956. Designed by architect John F. Galbraith, it stood in the gated North Kinneloa Ranch community northeast of Pasadena. Its property stood just south of the Angeles National Forest.

Building History

As noted in a story published in the Pasadena Star-News.com, architect John F. Galbraith, (born 1923), designed the residence for a pharmacist, Melvin Knoll, who resided here for seven years with his family. Writer Sandra Barrera said in her article: "Galbraith’s client had four daughters, which Workman said might account for the home’s spacious bedrooms and ample closet space. A 23-foot row of closets with bi-folding doors alone fills the master bedroom, along with a built-in desk, fireplace and attached bathroom with a large shower. It also has direct access to the pool and patio area with an outside shower nearby. For additional space, the den with a half-bathroom can be closed off by accordion doors for use as a fourth bedroom." (See Sandra Barrera, Pasadena Star-News.com, “Pasadena mid-century modern designed by local architect John F. Galbraith seeks $2.2 million,” published 05/05/2020, accessed 06/03/2020.)Galbraith emphasized storage capacity in each bedroom. Even very narrow bedroom walls were utilized as built-in dressers drawers.

The Knolls moved out in 1963, commissioning Galbraith to design another residence nearby. Another owner occupied it between c. 1963 and 2019. As it was offered in 2020, the house had a very high degree of originality, down to the original wall finishes and even an early inter-room telephone system.

Building Notes

This 3,567-square-foot residence had three bedrooms and three baths in 2020, and had an asking price from the realtor Deasy Penner Podley of $2.189 million in 05/2020. The residence occupied a 40,169-square-foot, (0.92-acre) property. It was highlighted in the "What You Get $2.2 Million" feature of the New York Times, 05/17/2020, p. BU9 (Sunday Business section).

PCAD id: 23472