Architecture Wednesday: GWE Griffith House

I love a good Craftsman-style home, though I tend to prefer the more Arts-and-Crafts style than this, a Colonial Revival style home, but this one, the GWE Griffith House in Los Angeles, might just do. And the 2700+ square foot, four bedroom, three-and-a half-bath home was built in 1903 can be yours for just $2.8 million.

The home is believed to be the handiwork of architect Fred Dorn and named for its original owner George Washington Ewing Griffith, founder of the South Pasadena and the Highland Park Banks. Dorn completed construction on the home, at 110 South Avenue 58, in 1903 and then it was painstakingly moved to Highland Park’s Garvanza District in 1914 where it was once dubbed the most Beautiful House on the Block.

The Garvanza District comprises a rare collection of prewar … World War I … homes—Queen Anne, Shingle, Craftsman, Stick, Mission Revival and Tudor Revival—all of which were built outside of the community and later relocated to create one of LA’s first suburbs.

And while the exterior, with Moorish flourishes and a portico supported by handsome Corinthian columns, is of the Colonial Revival style, the interior is where the Craftsman style comes in, with its carved wooden staircase, hardwood floors, period moldings, double-hung windows, pocket doors and carved fireplaces with tiled surrounds.

Framed by a white picket fence this home is postcard perfection with its beautifully landscaped yard and wrap around porch. A formal, grand entry with voluminous ceilings welcomes you inside where you’ll find the formal living room, family room and dining room that opens to a stunning kitchen. Complete with original and custom built-ins, chef's appliances and hand cut tile floors this kitchen is perfect for cozy family dinners and entertaining friends. Also on the lower level is a powder room and laundry room with built-in dog wash.

Upstairs is an oversized primary suite with a beautiful balcony framed by classic Islamic arch style windows and large en suite bathroom. There are three additional large bedrooms on the upper level and two additional bathrooms.

A large backyard, with pool and spa, is the perfect spot to unwind or entertain. Some additional features include restored original hardwood floors and moldings, hand carved fireplaces, designer fixtures, brand new dual-zoned central heat/air, and all new plumbing and electric.

It’s old and new and worth every penny.

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