On January 11th, Laurie posed a challenge on her Glimpses of South Pasadena blog: "...show me your local Craftsmans!"The reason she did so is we're having trouble photographing them. Well sure, you can see this house. You can tell it's a Craftsman home. But can you see the porch? No. It's so well shaded I'd have to take professional lighting equipment up there to get you a shot of it.
Pasadena's famous Craftsman homes were built in the early part of the 20th Century by - well, by craftsmen, who knew what they were doing. I've never been inside this house but I'll bet it stays warm in winter and cool in summer. The owners probably don't have to turn on the air conditioning until at least noon even on the hottest southern California days. The walls are thick. The windows are shaded from direct sunlight.
Craftsman houses are simple, made with fine materials. I find them beautiful. Many are painted in dark colors and it's hard to get a good shot of them because they hide in their own shadows.
As soon as I read Laurie's challenge I knew this was the house I wanted to photograph. The first time I saw it three years ago it was weathered and tired. But the new owners have brought it back to its former glory. If only you could see the porch!
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ReplyDeleteIt looked like a very sunny day that day!
ReplyDeleteThis home looks familiar...on El Molino?
P, in this doggy opinion you've jumped out to an early lead!
I love your choice.
ReplyDeleteI've never really thought about it, but I guess one doesn't often come across great photos of craftsman houses, and there are so many beautiful ones. That's a nice shot though, and what a lovely house.
ReplyDeleteNot on El Molino, C.O. I think I won't mention the street online. But maybe I'll tell you when I see you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine.
I don't know, Margaret. I know it can be done but I've really had a hard time with it. Especially in Pasadena where they're all shrouded in trees. That's pretty enough, but you still can't see the house!
It would be difficult to catch the porch, as I believe the idea of the Craftsman porch was outdoors, but with protection and privacy. I was around California & Grand today, and gave it a try.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful. I like this era, but I have to admit those immense Victorian monstrosities are my favorite, especially if there is a turret!
ReplyDeleteThose shadows keep growing on me.
ReplyDeleteI like Craftsman homes; saw several nice ones the last time we were in Berkeley. This is a good example. If only I had the $$ to have one myself...
ReplyDeleteWe have a number of programs and incentives to help owners of historic homes in Pasadena maintain the integrity of their properties.
ReplyDeleteAH: California & Grand. Nice 'hood. How'd you do?
ReplyDeleteChristie, we've got a couple of "monstrosities" in town that I just love. I'll see if I can get a few shots for you!
I know, Earl. I'm imagining a lemonade on that porch.
Ms. M, want me to find you a fixer? We still have some here.
Ann, if it weren't for you the rest of us would just be flapping our lips without the slightest idea of what we're talking about. Thank you for providing actual information on this blog. I'm going to peruse that link for freebies.
I wish we could. The size alone makes the porch enviable!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Petrea. I love this house. This is turning into quite a collaboration!
ReplyDeletePetrea, thank you for your offer. Perhaps some day I'll take you up on it. :>)
ReplyDeleteYou did great! What a beautiful house to show the craftsmanship of days gone by. (sorry about the cliche). My highschool boyfriend gave me a cute little brochure for Walks in Pasadena - pointing out good architectural places. I've been trying to find it to send it your & other Pasadena bloggers way.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tash. And that brochure sounds like a gem.
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