One of Altadena’s most famous landmarks, the Zane Grey Estate, at 396 E. Mariposa Street, is for sale for $3.995 million.
Constructed with reinforced concrete, the 1907 Mediterranean Revival style house is acclaimed as the first fireproof home in Altadena, designed in 1907 for Chicago inventor and businessman Arthur Woodward by renowned Pasadena architects Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey (no relation to the author).
In 1920, Woodward sold the estate to Zane Grey, the best-selling author of “Riders of the Purple Sage,” called “the most popular Western novel of all time.” Grey and his wife Dolly had moved to Southern California in 1918.
The Greys decided to expand the residence, adding a 3,500-square-foot library and office where the author did most of his writing. In 1928, an east wing was added to the house.
Set against the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, the Zane Grey Estate was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
“The estate is ready to be the future residence-retreat for a lucky family, creative, or writer,” a description by Rodeo Realty said.
The property still has some of the original 1900s architectural elements, including massive wood-beamed ceilings, custom cast-iron sconces, chandeliers, iron detailed handrails, and even an entry elevator. The one-acre property has a long driveway, 15-foot ceilings, and a wine cellar.
“In Altadena, I have found those qualities that make life worth living,” Grey once wrote after they moved to Altadena, where he and his wife had spent their honeymoon.
After the Greys’ death, their sons owned the property. The house was sold by their son, Romer, in 1970.
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