Description
The Clarence Fleming House. Situated in the heart of Oaklawn Avenue, one of South Pasadena's most-desired streets, lies G. Lawrence Stimson's 1910 masterwork. Greene & Greene planned Oaklawn Avenue as a 'Suburb DeLuxe,' and Stimson stepped in to design the Fleming House and other grand Oaklawn houses. Constructed in a dramatic, cantilevered 'Japanese-Chalet' style, the home retains original light fixtures, ceiling beams, wainscoting, Peruvian mahogany paneling and doors, and luminous birds-eye maple floors. Lovingly restored by the current owners, the home features an upstairs with five bedrooms, a spacious landing, and three bathrooms. Downstairs incudes a dining room paneled floor to ceiling and topped by a molded plaster ceiling; a den paneled in wood with beams, original copper and glass ceiling fixtures, and built-ins influenced by Japanese shoji panels; and a large living room boasting an emerald Grueby fireplace and views of expansive back patio ideal for dining. The back carriage house was designed by Frederick Roehrig, architect of Castle Green. The timbered, vaulted garage could be converted to a romantic forest-cabin style ADU. Adjacent to the garage is a separate office and bath, and downstairs a finished room used by the current owners as a gym. The centerpiece of the backyard is a newly-installed infinity pool and spa. New hardscaping, lighting, and fire pit encourage year-round relaxation. Oak, pecan, olive, pomegranate, other fruit trees, and a bed of iceberg roses complete the idyllic setting. The current owners have updated and modernized all systems, with new dual HVAC, new sewer line, new roof and internal gutters, and even an EV charger. All upstairs bathrooms were renovated within the last two years, and highlight new but historically sensitive tile and features. The front door, the foyer, landing, stairway, and all adjoining doors were fully renovated and restored by master woodworker Marco Romani. The light-filled kitchen includes a Subzero refrigerator and newer Bosch dishwasher and Jenn-Air gas range and oven. Other updates include copper plumbing in bathrooms and updated electrical wiring and panel expansion. The house is freshly painted outside and in. Over the last century, 224 Oaklawn has been a home to large, loving families. Make yours the next.
