An Impressive Statement in San Marino

Legendary architect Gordon Kaufman’s creation highlights "Architecture Row"

By EDDIE RIVERA, Editor, Weekendr Magazine

1780 Lombardy Road, San Marino, CA 91108

1919 found him at 737 La Loma Drive. The US Census of 1920 documented Kaufmann, his wife, Eva, and their two sons living at nearby 676 La Loma Road in Pasadena—near the famed and influential tilemaker Ernest A. Batchelder—before moving to Arroyo Drive.

Kaufmann’s 11-bedroom, 12 bath H. L. Thompson House, which was built in 1928, and anchors San Marino's Architecture Row, was a spotlight home in a neighborhood filled with dynamic and impressive properties.

This from a legendary architect whose portfolio includes the Caltech Athenaeum, Hoover Dam, the LA Times Building, and Greystone Mansion

As a statement property—perhaps an artistic response to George Washington Smith's “Ostoff House” and the “Parker Toms Residence” by Wallace Neff—the 12,808 square foot property on 1.01 acre, is bold and impressive. While Kaufmann's second Palladian estate, the property imposes its presence at first glance.

The public rooms are oversized and grand,with hand painted ceilings, a 30'x40' drawing room with Italian marble fireplace, a dining room with wallpaper by Zuber & Cie and a walnut-paneled library with hidden bar-room, inspired by prohibition days, was once described by a local publication as “'The most beautiful and tastefully furnished mansion you have ever seen.”

With the original grounds spanning the entire block, ending just across from the extensive gardens of Henry and Arabella Huntington, Kaufmann placed the Thompson House on the far northeast side, allowing the gardens to flow directly into the Huntington's, creating the illusion of one continuous flowing sea of green.

An Impressive Statement in San Marino

Legendary architect Gordon Kaufman’s creation highlights "Architecture Row"

By EDDIE RIVERA, Editor, Weekendr Magazine

1780 Lombardy Road, San Marino, CA 91108

1919 found him at 737 La Loma Drive. The US Census of 1920 documented Kaufmann, his wife, Eva, and their two sons living at nearby 676 La Loma Road in Pasadena—near the famed and influential tilemaker Ernest A. Batchelder—before moving to Arroyo Drive.

Kaufmann’s 11-bedroom, 12 bath H. L. Thompson House, which was built in 1928, and anchors San Marino's Architecture Row, was a spotlight home in a neighborhood filled with dynamic and impressive properties.

This from a legendary architect whose portfolio includes the Caltech Athenaeum, Hoover Dam, the LA Times Building, and Greystone Mansion

As a statement property—perhaps an artistic response to George Washington Smith's “Ostoff House” and the “Parker Toms Residence” by Wallace Neff—the 12,808 square foot property on 1.01 acre, is bold and impressive. While Kaufmann's second Palladian estate, the property imposes its presence at first glance.

The public rooms are oversized and grand,with hand painted ceilings, a 30'x40' drawing room with Italian marble fireplace, a dining room with wallpaper by Zuber & Cie and a walnut-paneled library with hidden bar-room, inspired by prohibition days, was once described by a local publication as “'The most beautiful and tastefully furnished mansion you have ever seen.”

With the original grounds spanning the entire block, ending just across from the extensive gardens of Henry and Arabella Huntington, Kaufmann placed the Thompson House on the far northeast side, allowing the gardens to flow directly into the Huntington's, creating the illusion of one continuous flowing sea of green.