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.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara Particularly standing out on the main level is a gourmet kitchen outfitted with an antique tin ceiling, a farmhouse sink, granite countertops, a marble subway tile backsplash, custom cabinetry and a large central tiered island that seats four; not to mention top-tier Wolf, Sub-Zero, Bosch, and Fisher & Paykel appliances, along with a dry bar with a wine/beverage cooler, liquor cabinet and antiqued glass crystal cabinetry, a drop-down TV with a chalk board front and ceiling-mounted acoustic speakers.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara This floor also holds a family room sporting hand-crafted wooden beams and retractable skylights, an Arts & Crafts-style clinker brick fireplace and accordion-style doors leading to the patio; and a sumptuous primary suite features a wood-beam cathedral ceiling, hand-crafted tiled fireplace, a duo of custom walk-in custom closets topped by solar tubes, and marble-clad bath equipped with a stained-glass window, dual vanities, a Victoria & Albert soaking tub, and large shower with a sauna.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara A custom staircase in the first-floor parlor leads to the second level, which hosts a library with a custom tongue and groove wood ceiling, vintage maple vintage flooring, the original telephone inset and a rolling book ladder, as well as an office/bedroom and bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and pedestal sink.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara And, wholly devoted to entertaining, the lower level boasts a movie theater with a 105-inch retractable screen, Sony 4K projector and stone fireplace; secondary kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances; gym; and temperature-controlled wine cellar with room for 700-plus bottles and a tasting area.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara As for the picturesque grounds, the large, fenced back yard offers garden and lounge areas, a fire-pit, saltwater pool and spa with waterfall, and an outdoor kitchen sporting a refrigerator, sink and professional Wolf gas grill.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara -
Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara A two-car garage also was added to the house during the renovation, replete with a workbench and gardening/potting areas, custom cabinetry, brick flooring and stained-glass windows.
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara “I believe this home would appeal to a wide cross-section of buyers,” says Durkovik. “Those who appreciate history, but want the modern conveniences as well.”
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Image Credit: Michael Andrew McNamara