Back in 2012, when Los Angeles architect Su Bacon set out to reimagine this historic 1923 Arts & Crafts-style bungalow known as “The Rankin House” in the small, affluent college town of Claremont, she had three goals: to preserve the home’s character-filled heritage; to advance sustainability via environmentally sensitive materials and technologies; and to adapt the interiors to serve the changing needs of a modern family’s lifestyle.
Did her three-year efforts succeed? Judge the photos for yourself, but the 5,000-square-foot “bunga-mansion” manages to retain most of the charm from architect R.D. Watson’s original 1920s design — complete with vintage flooring, paneling and molding, period lighting and much more — complemented by 21st-century comforts and tech. There are eco-friendly features, too, including three separate solar systems, Control4 core automation, Lutron whole-house lighting and two Tesla Powerwalls.
The revamped residence even received a trio of architectural awards for historical renovation, sustainable innovation and landscape design to boot, including an Excellence in Design Award from the Claremont Architectural Commission.
“This is one of the most spectacular homes I have ever sold, with incomparable attention to detail,” says Tim Durkovic of Douglas Elliman, who is now listing the property for $3.488 million. “The home, while recently redone, looks and feels authentically craftsman. It has a feeling of warmth and history, but at the same time lives for today’s modern lifestyle.”
Found on a prime .35-acre corner lot in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains — on a prestigious street referred to as “President’s Row,” within walking distance to four campuses and Claremont Village — the wood-shingled beauty is surrounded by tree-canopied environs. A charming wraparound porch with a swing leads to custom stained-glass and oak front door that opens to three levels of living space highlighted by vintage herringbone oak flooring, handcrafted oak paneling and molding, timeless light fixtures, and original windows and doors throughout.