The increasingly trendy suburban L.A. neighborhood of Altadena is adding another showbiz veteran to its ranks. Stephany Folsom, the former documentary producer turned prolific Hollywood screenwriter/producer/editor (“Toy Story 4,” “Star Wars: Resistance,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” the upcoming “Paper Girls” TV adaptation) has paid $1.3 million for a refreshed 1946 bungalow in the fire-ravaged but still ruggedly beautiful San Gabriel Valley foothills, just minutes from downtown Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.
Ten years ago, the cottage was a rather dumpy, unkempt home with little style oomph. But in 2011, it was sold for just $301,000 to a couple who significantly upgraded and expanded the property, converting the two-bed/one-bath structure into a nearly 1,800-square-foot, midcentury modern-inspired getaway with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They also added a sparkling backyard swimming pool, plus a host of other outdoor amenities.
Beyond the one-car attached garage and the exterior’s deep navy blue paint, the front door opens directly into the great room, which combines a living/family area, separate dining space, and a petite kitchen with utilitarian cabinetry, a whitewashed brick backsplash, and medium-grade stainless appliances. While none of the three bedrooms are especially big, they’re all clean-lined and outfitted with recessed lighting on dimmers. The master suite includes a glassy shower, and from the bedroom there’s a sliding door with direct access to a raised wooden patio.
The property’s yard is really where everyone will want to be — especially out back, where things have been transformed into a landscape worthy of a sustainable resort. In addition to the swimming pool, there’s a vegetable garden, spacious redwood decks for alfresco dining, a firepit, lounge seating, and several mature trees providing both shade and privacy.
Barry Gray and Crystal Heatherly of DeasyPennerPodley held the listing; Heather T. Roy and Learka Bosnak of Douglas Elliman repped Folsom.