Fern Drive

Pasadena, California

Architect Paul R. Williams, AIA. The V. Mott Pierce Residence. Built: 1928. Mills Act registered. Constructed for Dr. Valentine Mott Pierce, President of the World's Dispensary Medical Association, which manufactured his father's 'miracle elixir' found in almost every medicine cabinet-(Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery)-this hillside Mediterranean mansion displays the architectural brilliance of Paul R. Williams without budgetary constraints. Built in one of Pasadena's most exclusive areas at a time when the region was booming, this 5-bedroom 5-bathroom+ home provides total seclusion on 4 parcels totaling approximately 1.7 acres, with water features, accessory structures and meandering pathways. Features include a show-stopping entry foyer with carved pillars, a groin-vault colonnade and imported Italian tile flooring accented by extraordinary hand-wrought ironwork. The living room features coffered ceilings with a hand-painted motif and a massive fireplace surround. Large arched doorways open to a terracotta tiled terrace overlooking the San Gabriel Mountains and the hand-dug swimming pool. An opulent wood-paneled library reflects the grandeur of the time. The elevated dining room is accented by rows of arched pillars and iron work. The kitchen was recently remodeled, and the breakfast alcove is a jewel unto itself. There are two bedroom suites on the upper floor flanking a hotel-like seating area, and a lavish guest suite near the main entrance. A caretaker's suite is behind the kitchen and a full guest apartment with a private entrance is below the 3-car garage. An original billiards room and prohibition era speakeasy bar and bathroom are on the lower level-adjacent to a whimsical post-prohibition tiki bar and dance floor. This home also has a climate controlled wine room and private elevator connecting the garage to the entry level of the home, otherwise accessed by a dramatic loggia stairway leading to the entry courtyard. Fern Drive is a private street, soon to be electronically gated, and there is an HOA and yearly dues.