Historic Merritt Mansion on “Millionaire’s Row” Listed by Janice Lee of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Janice Lee of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties has brought the iconic Merritt Mansion to market, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Pasadena history. Built in 1905, the estate has undergone extensive renovations over the past seven years, preserving its historic grandeur while adding modern luxury. The property spans approximately 17,500 square feet of interior space and sits on roughly 1.8 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, featuring an indoor saltwater pool, lush gardens, and a serene sunken garden.
Located on Pasadena’s prestigious “Millionaire’s Row,” the Merritt Mansion also qualifies for significant tax savings under the Mills Act, making it an appealing option for both historic preservation enthusiasts and luxury homeowners. The current owner invested in restoring virtually every major system, including all new electrical wiring and copper plumbing, while maintaining the original craftsmanship, materials, and character that define the home.
“I’ve had the honor of representing this home twice,” said Lee, a 41-year veteran of Pasadena real estate. “The first time I listed it eight years ago, it was a true fixer. Seeing its transformation has been remarkable. The renovations elevated the home to a level of modern luxury without compromising the historic details that make it so special.”
Architectural and Interior Highlights
The mansion showcases a grand entrance hall with two sweeping mahogany staircases and gold-plated hardware on many doors. The residence includes five fireplaces, a main living room with an ornamental plaster ceiling, marble terraces, alabaster light fixtures, and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. These classic touches combine with modern updates to create an elegant yet livable estate.
The kitchen offers vintage mosaic tile flooring, quartz countertops, a center island, and high-end modern appliances. A lower-level “New England kitchen” reflects the home’s historic past, originally designed for preparing game brought back from hunting excursions over a massive fireplace. Adding to the home’s uniqueness is an enormous walk-in vault, rumored to have stored sugar during the First World War.
Other interior amenities include a home theater, a bar area, a sauna, a music studio, a gym, a home salon, and a home office with a kitchenette. Additionally, a secret bar resides beneath one of the three staircases, offering an element of whimsy and privacy.
Historic Significance and Legacy
The mansion was built by Hulett C. Merritt, a prominent industrialist and influential figure in Pasadena. Merritt, a business partner of John D. Rockefeller and a friend of the Huntington family, was one of the largest stockholders in U.S. Steel and chaired the boards of over 120 companies. He played a significant role in Pasadena’s cultural and social development, including funding the Tournament of Roses, building a speedway, and founding the Pasadena Automobile Club.
The property overlooks the Rose Parade route and has historically hosted temporary grandstands for viewing the event. The mansion also appeared in the opening scenes of the 1950s television series The Millionaire. Construction costs at the time were around $22,380—a significant investment compared to the average $5,000 spent on homes in that era.
Merritt was an avid art collector and built a Beaux Arts–style gallery on the estate to house his collection. The property features six exterior gates—one beautifully restored—along with a reflecting pond, walking paths, and the aforementioned secluded sunken garden, which offers a private retreat framed by mature trees and fencing.
Modern Renovations with Historic Integrity
Recent renovations honor the home’s original design while introducing contemporary comforts. The number of bathrooms was expanded to 11, and a new roof was crafted from custom-fabricated tiles that match the original materials. Additional upgrades include a landscaped entrance park, modern lighting, and upgraded HVAC systems to ensure both comfort and efficiency.
Phase-wise renovations preserved original features, including staircases, hand-carved woodwork, and ornamental details, while modernizing kitchens, baths, and living areas to meet today’s luxury standards.
About Janice Lee and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Janice Lee, a Luxury Properties Director, is renowned for her expertise in Pasadena’s historic and luxury markets. She has been recognized for her diligence, local market knowledge, and attention to detail. Her team is multilingual and culturally diverse, ranking #17 in the small-size teams category for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices—a network of nearly 40,000 agents worldwide. Lee and her team provide tailored service and insight for buyers and sellers of prestigious properties, blending historic preservation with modern luxury.
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