Southern California is full of history hiding in plain sight. From beautiful historic homes and architectural landmarks to old storefronts, established neighborhoods, and the little details we sometimes overlook, there’s always something worth discovering.
As a REALTOR® with a passion for history, architecture, and preservation, I love exploring the places that give our communities their character. Sometimes that means touring a historic estate, wandering through an old downtown, or stopping to appreciate a building I’ve passed a hundred times.
Through My Lens is a personal collection of photographs from my explorations throughout Southern California. Some places have entire galleries, while others are simply moments or details that caught my attention. Each tells a small part of a much bigger story about the communities we know today.
I hope these photos encourage you to look a little closer, explore somewhere new, and appreciate the history that’s still all around us!
Hollyhock House | Los Angeles, CA (1921)
Located in Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood, Hollyhock House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall between 1918 and 1921. Wright’s first Los Angeles commission, the home is celebrated for its distinctive architecture, geometric details, and recurring hollyhock flower motifs. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic example of Southern California’s architectural heritage.
Photos pictured are from my visit in May 2024.
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens | Redlands, CA (1897)
1325 Prospect Drive, Redlands, CA 92373
Nestled in the historic city of Redlands, Kimberly Crest House & Gardens was built in 1897 for Cornelia Hill and designed by architects Dennis and Farwell. Inspired by French château architecture, this beautiful Victorian estate features intricate architectural details, a historic carriage house, and Italian Renaissance-style gardens added by the Kimberly family in the early 1900s. Today, the estate stands as a beautifully preserved reminder of Redlands’ early prosperity, architectural heritage, and commitment to historic preservation.
Photos pictured are from my visit to Kimberly Crest House & Gardens.
