1290 Hillcrest Avenue, Pasadena

6 Beds | 9 Baths | 7,351 Sq. Ft. | 1+ Acre with Treetop Views

Designed in 1928 by noted architect Wallace Neff and described as an "extremely dignified Spanish Revival," this exceptional estate sits on approximately one acre of landscaped, terraced grounds in Pasadena's prestigious Langham/Oak Knoll district.

Commissioned by Adolphus and Lilly Anheuser Busch for their granddaughter, Mrs. Sidney Berg, the property reflects classic architectural detail combined with thoughtful modern updates. A dramatic two-story oval entry hall features black-and-white Belgian marble floors, original ironwork, and an antique chandelier believed to be original to the home. Formal living and dining rooms, along with a Honduran mahogany-paneled library, offer generous scale, 12-foot ceilings, and direct access to gardens, terraces, and pool. The residence includes six bedrooms, most with en-suite baths, including a primary suite with dual marble bathrooms and dressing areas. Additional features include a butler's pantry, utility elevator, and a circular motor court with a three-car garage. The home has been extensively updated over time under the direction of architect David Serrurier, including a renovated kitchen with Carrara marble counters, Wolf range, and Sub-Zero appliances; updated bathrooms; reconfigured living spaces; and improvements and upgrades to major systems. Grounds are designed for privacy and entertaining with multiple terraces, mature cypress trees, rose gardens, citrus plantings, and outdoor living areas. Amenities include a built-in BBQ kitchen, outdoor fireplace, play sport court, and a renovated pool and spa with a dedicated pool house/cabana featuring a kitchen, bath, and dressing rooms. A rare offering combining architectural pedigree, expansive grounds, and modern livability in one of Pasadena's most sought-after neighborhoods.

The Gardens of Sidney Berg House

A One-Acre Private Sanctuary

Few estates offer what unfolds on this extraordinary one-acre property: a curated fusion of sweeping vistas and intimate outdoor living rooms, shaped by decades of devoted stewardship and inspired by the timeless gardens of Italy.

A Journey Through the Home to the Terraced Gardens Beyond

Rhapis palms and stately cypress guide the eye through the residence to the layered gardens behind—a series of dining patios and garden terraces anchored by forty-year-old citrus and meticulously shaped dwarf olives. Fragrant 'Mister Lincoln' roses rise gracefully above manicured Japanese boxwood hedges, while a magnificent specimen Coast live oak casts dappled shade across the entertaining spaces.

Borrowed Landscapes and Enduring Privacy

Beyond the terraces, the hillside panorama reveals a collector's arboretum: California walnut, lemon-scented eucalyptus, melaleuca, strawberry tree, Meyer lemon, crape myrtle, Mexican fan palm, and additional Coast live oaks. A richly textured tapestry hedge of broadleaf hopbush, California and European bay laurel, and Carolina cherry compacta ensures complete seclusion, while a dramatic Phoenix palm marks the northern boundary. Towering cypress echoes the estate's Italian inspiration, lending structure and grandeur to every vantage point.

A Grand Arrival

Guests are welcomed by a century-old Deodar cedar standing sentinel over heritage Camellia japonica, with a mature Fuju persimmon—planted more than thirty years ago—anchoring a front garden alive with the perfume of 'Gold Medal' roses and the architectural elegance of Oakleaf hydrangea. A generous Bouquet Canyon flagstone courtyard wraps the entry in warmth, framed on one side by cascading bougainvillea draping the three-car garage and, opposite, by a breathtaking purple wisteria that spills over thirty feet of classical architectural detail drawn directly from Rome's celebrated Villa Giulia.

A Living Ecosystem

This is a garden that lives and breathes. Birds have nested in the loggia pendant, and a red-tailed hawk has been known to bathe in the front courtyard birdbath—a quiet testament to the sanctuary this landscape provides.

Thoughtfully Updated for the Next Steward

The property has been enhanced and upgraded with the intention of preserving the integrity of this horticultural legacy while positioning it beautifully for its next chapter.  A rare offering for the discerning buyer who values heritage, craftsmanship, and the artistry of a truly mature landscape.