Southern California is full of historic homes, architectural gems, and neighborhoods that have stood the test of time. As a REALTOR® with a passion for preservation and storytelling, I explore these iconic properties to uncover the beauty, legacy, and quirks that make them special. Whether you’re a history buff, a potential buyer, or just love old houses—this page is where we celebrate timeless charm.
Los Angeles County
Gamble House – Pasadena | Craftsman | Greene & Greene
A crown jewel of Arts & Crafts architecture, this 1908 home is known for its custom woodwork, built-ins, and handcrafted detail. Once owned by the Procter & Gamble family, it’s open for tours and a must-visit for architecture lovers.
Hollyhock House – East Hollywood / Barnsdall Park | Mayan Revival | Frank Lloyd Wright This one’s a masterpiece.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s first LA commission, designed for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall. Inspired by the hollyhock flower, the house is both geometric and poetic—part home, part temple.
Bradbury Building – Downtown LA | Romanesque Revival
LA’s oldest commercial building still in use, the Bradbury is famous for its dramatic light-filled atrium, intricate wrought iron staircases, and vintage cage elevators. It’s been featured in films like Blade Runner and 500 Days of Summer.
Ennis House – Los Feliz | Mayan Revival | Frank Lloyd Wright
This landmark is instantly recognizable thanks to its patterned concrete blocks and sci-fi film credits. A dramatic, hilltop Wright design that influenced modernist LA architecture.
Freeman House – Hollywood Hills | Textile Block | Frank Lloyd Wright
A more experimental version of the textile-block design, this home reflects Wright’s vision for affordable modern living with artistry and integrity.
Greystone Mansion – Beverly Hills | English Tudor Revival
A sprawling estate originally built by the Doheny family. Now a public park and filming location, its gardens and grandeur tell a story of early LA luxury.
Adamson House – Malibu | Spanish Colonial Revival
Steps from the sand and covered in iconic Malibu tile, this house is a vibrant example of SoCal coastal history and Spanish design.
Villa Aurora – Pacific Palisades | Mediterranean Revival
Originally a home for German-Jewish exiles during WWII, now a residence for artists. Hidden in the hills, rich in story and surrounded by coastal views.
Doheny Mansion – University Park | Victorian / Châteauesque
Lavish interiors, stained glass, and an eclectic mix of European styles. Once home to one of LA’s most powerful families.
Lummis Home (El Alisal) – Highland Park | Rustic Craftsman
Built by Charles Lummis from local river rock—a DIY icon in LA history, blending natural materials with Southwest influence.
Heritage Square Museum – Montecito Heights | Victorian-Era Collection
A cluster of relocated historic homes offering a walk-through tour of late 19th-century architecture.
Alvarado Terrace Historic District – Pico-Union | Victorian, Craftsman, Mission Revival
A curated neighborhood built in the early 1900s by Doria Deighton Jones, who sold lots for $10 with a $4,000 build requirement. Home to some of LA’s most unique architecture, a 13-foot brick street, and a lot of history.
San Bernardino County
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens – Redlands | Châteauesque
Built in 1897, this stunning French-style mansion is surrounded by Italian gardens, koi ponds, and Redlands history. Open for public tours, it’s a fairy tale estate that feels worlds away.
Morey Mansion – Redlands | Queen Anne Victorian
Known as “America’s Favorite Victorian House,” this boldly colored, turreted beauty is a Redlands icon and a favorite for photography and film.
John Rains House – Rancho Cucamonga | Monterey Colonial
Built in 1860, this adobe-style home belonged to one of the region’s early wine and ranching pioneers. Its thick walls and deep porches tell the story of Inland Empire’s roots.
Arrowhead Springs Hotel – San Bernardino | Mediterranean Revival / Hollywood Regency
This once-glamorous resort, known for its celebrity guests and hillside views, is currently closed to the public but remains a piece of Hollywood and San Bernardino lore.
Sycamore Inn (Historic Site) – Rancho Cucamonga | Adobe / Spanish Revival
Originally a stagecoach stop in the 1800s, this now-restaurant sits on a site layered in local history. A great example of how historical charm continues to serve the community.
Wigwam Motel – San Bernardino | Roadside Americana / Novelty Architecture
A Route 66 icon, the Wigwam Motel is one of the last remaining teepee-style motels in the country. Built in the 1940s, it’s a nostalgic throwback to America’s golden age of road travel.
Magic Lamp Inn – Rancho Cucamonga | Mid-Century / Western Revival
Once a hitching post stop for stagecoaches, this steakhouse is a historic staple on Route 66. Its glowing lamp sign and old-school charm make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Mt. Baldy Village – Mt. Baldy | Rustic Alpine / Mountain Community
Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. Baldy Village features historic cabins, a small chapel, and scenic hiking trails. A quiet escape with a touch of Old California mountain-town history.
