Buff, Straub & Hensman Midcentury in Spectacular Pasadena Setting Asks $4.7 Million

Caught yourself daydreaming about living in a secluded Bali-esque paradise, completely surrounded only by the great outdoors? This midcentury modern ranch home, nestled into a picturesque lot in the hills of Pasadena’s prestigious Linda Vista community, fits that bill perfectly — and it’s still an easy commute to Los Angeles! Tucked away on more than an acre, the property is laced with picturesque gardens, a koi pond, cascading waterfalls and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The striking post-and-beam structure was designed by noted architects Buff, Straub & Hensman, and it’s now available for $4.7 million. And if you’ve got deep pockets and are feeling the urge to splurge, a little extra — $1.85 million, to be exact — will also get you the adjoining half-acre lot, which sports several thatched-roof palapas stationed amid sundry lounging spots and meandering pathways.

Built in 1964 for the late Los Angeles plastics pioneer Merwyn C. Gill, and deservingly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the flat-roofed house is every bit as stunning as its eye-catching surroundings. There are soaring walls of glass, a mix of wood-beamed and translucent sandwich panel ceilings, and a wealth of original built-ins. Various outdoor decks and patios lead off every room. Groundbreaking plastics stand out in the roof, skylights, and interior and exterior wall panels — all produced in Gill’s El Monte-based factory using technologies his company invented and refined.

Gates introduce a long and winding driveway, which empties into a spacious brick motorcourt flanked by not one but two carports. An artistic glass walkway topped by wood planks then traverses past a tropical garden and up to the front door, which leads into 2,500 square feet of open-concept living space arranged in a distinct T-shape — with the living room and master suite contained in the stroke, and the remaining spaces, including the carport, in the stem.

Still, the property’s centerpiece is undeniably the spectacular grounds, an oasis of Hawaiian flavor in suburban Los Angeles. In addition to the aforementioned waterfalls and koi pond, there’s also a sparkling rectangular pool abutted by an al fresco dining area with a barbecue.

The listing is held by Randy Forbes and Diane Forbes Halliburton of Compass.