Home of the Week: The Stunning Fairbanks House Designed by G. Lawrence Stimson in South Pasadena

The Fairbanks House was designed and built by G. Lawrence Stimson in 1908 and is an early example of what became his hallmark of stately homes with beautifully executed details and the finest materials. The property was originally sold in 1909 to Charles Warren Fairbanks, Theodore Roosevelt’s vice president, and was most recently owned by Dr. Gail Victor Anderson, a pioneer of emergency medicine. Sited on over one-half acre in the heart of the Oaklawn Tract — renowned for its entrance framed by Greene & Greene’s landmark stone portals — it is now on the market for the first time in sixty years.

Its light-filled floor plan is elegantly proportioned and scaled for today’s lifestyle, with a dramatic entry and grand staircase that sets the tone for both lavish entertaining and comfortable family living. Complex geometry and a harmonious union of intricate forms create an interwoven blend for each public space. The living room is anchored by a striking fireplace as the broad windows flow out to the grounds and sunny south exposure.

The library features tiered mahogany wall brackets and a metal hood over the fireplace, while the formal dining room is graced with a sinuous plate rail and stellar fireplace bordered by book matched flame-patterned panels surrounding Grueby green tile. A rear patio, accessed by a remarkable set of glazed doors and window wall, overlooks the manicured yard.

The spacious eat-in kitchen offers multiple work areas and is designed to accommodate large-scale events with two food preparation areas. In addition, two bathrooms, an oversized laundry room and adjacent Butler’s pantry complete the main level.

Six bedrooms and four baths sprawl across the second floor, with spirited sets of windows and extensive closets throughout. A full attic and sizable basement, comprising over 2,400 additional square feet, provide ample room for storage and potential for expansion.

Noteworthy amenities include an elevator, refinished oak and maple floors, rich moldings, original wood windows, lath and plaster walls, fresh exterior paint and retrofitted foundation.

In the rear, a wide driveway leads to a 3-car detached garage, with carport and workshop, plus a sport/pickleball court. Mature trees and tall hedges combine to afford privacy and an intimate feel on a street known for its architecturally significant residences.