1401 N Holliston Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104

This artist's English cottage in the Historic Highlands is traditional with an elegant eclecticism. Anchored by a majestic live oak tree casting dappled shade over the wide front yard, the facade of this 1924-built home is stately, with an elevated, sheltered front porch. Classic features like an arched entry and decorative window and steep pitched cross-gable roof with dentil molding trim are enhanced by the hand-finished stucco exterior and gothic-inspired custom iron and glass light fixtures. Among so many special details here, the strong solid oak front door set with with 9 panes of beveled glass nods to the character within; this home is a preserved piece of architecture, as evidenced by the original built in cabinetry, decorative original fireplace surround and hearth, and plaster 'rope' molding trimming the coved ceiling. The living room is a study in arches: in addition to the fireplace, windows, display niches and the doorway to the dining room all feature the harmonious shape. Gleaming refinished hardwood floors flow from the entry throughout -- from living to dining room and kitchen, natural light beautifully reflects off satin finish narrow plank oak floors. The kitchen is expansive with soaring vaulted ceilings, skylights, and a style-rich palette of deep tourmaline and emerald greens in stone countertops and cabinetry. Something to love? Direct access from the kitchen to the backyard via the deck, and also through the laundry/mud room conveniently next door. With a lot measuring over 12,000 SF (a wonder in the Historic Highlands), there is plenty of room for a proper kitchen garden. On the north side of the house, find two comfortable bedrooms, the primary with an en-suite full bath boasting a soaking tub under skylights. Both baths here feature striking custom tilework laid in early 20th century patterns - they are extraordinary. Upstairs, a large bonus studio space with vaulted ceilings and skylight offers myriad uses...art studio, office, gym, family room...with access to ample storage in the adjoining attic space. Finally, the backyard: lined with fruit trees (lemon, fig, pomegranate), a gravel path to the covered outdoor dining room, and the calming sounds of an urn fountain in the south courtyard garden. This is a storybook space in one the most a coveted historic Pasadena neighborhoods, and just around the corner from favorite cafes and retail at Washington Village...what a treasure!