Thursday, April 10, 2008

Wealth and Convenience

Pasadena's big on walking tours. Yesterday my friend and I strolled through one of the mansion districts in San Marino, our sunny neighbor to the south. Even a fierce look from a palace guard couldn't have soured our fun.

O! San Marino! Home of the Huntington Library and Gardens! Need I say more? Well, maybe a little.

When I have a mansion it'll be in San Marino, because there I'll have more room and more privacy than in Beverly Hills. I'll have access to the Old Mill, the new library and Lacy Park. And did I mention the Huntington?

And the height of all mansion conveniences: I'll have Pasadena right next door.

18 comments:

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I'd add Lacey Park to the list. Your dog would love it but bring a leash and expect to pay if you go on a weekend.

Petrea Burchard said...

It's on the list, Palm. Dear me, you're usually the sharpest tack, the fullest deck, the one with all the marbles.

I do love Lacy Park. We haven't taken Boz yet, but he'd like it. He's civilized enough to hang with the rich dawgs.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

uh oh, I better reread that paper I just finished. I'm a dull tack today!
I say Boz could teach those prim and proper yappers, a thing or two.

Pont Girl said...

Please host a tea in your mansion and invite me. I drove through beautiful San Marino on my way up from court to meet you last week. I hadn't been through there in a long time - you're right, it's gorgeous.

Petrea Burchard said...

How about tea in my humble home, Pont Girl? We'll make do.

USelaine said...

The Huntington is unbelievable! I was there about seven years ago - the manuscript room alone could take all day to absorb. How many famous signatures and illuminated manuscripts can one place hold! (Elaine needs to lie down and calm herself).

Petrea Burchard said...

USElaine: I agree. I think the Huntington rivals some European museums. Its beauty, and certainly its collections, make it a destination not to be missed. As soon as I get a full day I'll get over there (avec camera) and bring you some shots.

Anonymous said...

I am embarrassed to admit I've never been to the Huntington altho' I've always wanted to go. It's probably a 2 hr drive, but you know the drill, too far, price of gas, traffic, etc.

(I am suffering from Lynnism, read her comments today, I originally typed an extra "h" in Huntington!)

Petrea Burchard said...

From Cali, I don't know your exact location, but if it's only 2 hours for you, it's worth it, if you love art, books and gardens, the Huntington is unparalleled in the west.

Anonymous said...

I am in North San Diego County. I know it's not that far. I used to take day trips up to LxA all the time and then, oh I don't know, I got old! Is the Norton Simon in Pasadena also?

ben wideman said...

If I ever move down there I'd have to move here:

http://www.1288oaklandestate.com/

Petrea Burchard said...

from cali:
Yes, the Norton Simon's here, and it's wonderful. Come on up! You'll need more than a day if you're going to do both. I recommend a full day for the Huntington. The Norton Simon's more compact (yet still very satisfying), and you can spend the rest of your Norton Simon day shopping in Old Town. Makes for a fine weekend.

Petrea Burchard said...

Ben! separate comment for you. FAB link, thank you. I remember seeing ads for that place when they first put it on the market. I hate to say it's been a while. Seems it hasn't sold yet. Can't imagine why, don't we all have 52 million lying around? Maybe we could pool our funds. There's room for everyone.

USelaine said...

Oh, I have got to say, Petrea, that the Norton Simon is probably my favorite museum for paintings - each one a gem, personally selected because he liked it, not only for investment or even history.

I know, I've been holding back. I'm a big Pasadena fan from way back. 8^)

Petrea Burchard said...

USElaine: I love the Degas statuettes. And they were only studies! Such rare treasures. And they have some remarkable Canalettos; it's a thrill to see such fine work up close. Last time I was there I couldn't take my eyes off of "Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose," painted in 1633 by Francisco de Zurbarán. They have a great website:
http://www.nortonsimon.org/

from cali said...

Just noticed my comment should have said an extra "g", maybe now it makes sense!

I will try to visit the Hun(no g)tington this summer.

USelaine said...

Ah, yes, the website. Helps me to remember that I lingered long over the de la Tour self portrait (I never would have remembered the name). Now that I see it again, he reminds me of Eric Tenin a bit...

Petrea Burchard said...

Perhaps just a bit. At least he looks friendly (yes, it does exist!).