Inside an Elegant L.A. Enclave

The words “palatial,” “regal,” and “expansive” immediately spring to mind from the very first glimpse of this extraordinary compound northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the gated enclave of Bradbury Estates. Even from the air, its footprint—some 14,600 square feet on 2.13 acres—is eye-catching, standing out among a collection of other impressive properties.

Bradbury, California | Gloria Tse, Sotheby’s International Realty – Pasadena Brokerage

The residence is introduced by a lengthy cobblestone drive lined with towering palm and cypress trees and a circular motor court anchored by an Old World–inspired fountain. The home’s rugged, earthy, Mediterranean-style façade belies the delicate, ornate elegance of the interiors, which are intricately detailed and remarkably scaled. Just inside the elaborate iron and glass entry doors is a towering foyer that establishes the home’s uniquely enchanting ambience with its inlaid Italian marble floor, soaring ceiling, dazzling Murano chandelier, graceful arches, stately columns, Lalique crystal elements, hand-embroidered silk wall treatments, and timeless millwork. A sense of generous volume and bright airiness, an effortless flow, and an impeccable attention to refined detail are readily apparent in nearly every room.

Highlights include a library with a striking ceiling and built-in bookshelves; a grand living room with a monumental window, an elegant fireplace, and surfaces of majestic marble; a dining room with floral wall treatments and diamond-shaped ceiling tracery; a wine cellar with an impressive capacity; a kitchen and breakfast area with a marble-topped island island, a built-in buffet, and a discreet retractable television mounted in the ceiling; and a media or family room that opens to a veranda. Also on the main level, the primary suite enjoys a fireplace, access to the terrace, a boutique-like closet and dressing room, and a bath that practically epitomizes the notion of luxury.

Beneath a domed ceiling, the regal main stairway leads to the remaining private quarters, which are linked on the upper level by an open loggia-like gallery. A music and art room and a spacious game room with built-ins, French doors, and a balcony encourage relaxation and recreation. The separate, secluded guesthouse offers two bedrooms; a living area with a fireplace and built-ins of handsome, deeply hued wood; and a kitchenette with stainless-steel appliances.

The cool, breezy loggia shades peaceful outdoor living areas that facilitate the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Beyond, through a disappearing glass wall, another covered alfresco space features a dining area, a living room with a fireplace and a television, and a well-equipped kitchen with a bar, a grill and other stainless-steel appliances, and counter seating. Beyond are an expansive sun-soaked terrace, a lavish swimming pool with deck jets and lovely tile inlays, and a dining pergola—all surrounded by glorious flora and landscaping.

Many other estates offer grand living spaces and serene suites for restful relaxation. Distinguishing this home from others of a similar caliber, are a quiet, spacious office with thoughtful built-ins; a conference room with a wall-mounted monitor or television, a beverage chiller, wine storage, a refrigerator, and French doors to a balcony overlooking the grounds; a central room securing audiovisual components for an audiovisual system; an indoor lap pool with folding doors to the terrace; an impressive gym with numerous windows; and an expansive separate “car barn” with its own laundry facilities.

An estate-wide generator, a 499-gallon propane storage tank, some 200 roof-mounted solar panels, and a battery backup secured in an underground vault with a cooling system render the estate appealingly self-sufficient and ensure the estate’s desirability and endurance for decades and even generations to come.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com