SPANISH CASTLE GETS MAKE OVER
By Monrovia Weekly
Published: Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Exterior & Interior Designers are Busy Preparing Showcase House 2008
By Candyce Columbus
Inspired and commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. George Hanson of Illinois, who wanted a Spanish Castle in California, their historic La Cañada home was designed by architect Henry Harwood Hewitt. When he completed it in 1922, their palace was 8,500 square feet. Through the years it was expanded to 10,500 square feet and had many proud owners. The current owners agreed to move out for six months so it could be transformed into the Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2008.
Since January 31, six exterior design teams and 17 interior designers have been working feverishly to transform the gutted “empty house” into a Mediterranean showplace by the April 20 opening day.
Puerto del Sol/Port of the Sun
Verne Arnold (Verne Arnold Landscape Designs, Ventura) has the enviable assignment of transforming the front garden area into a grand Spanish Revival entrance. His plan includes removing the hedges surrounding the existing fountain and creating a replica of a welcoming courtyard. Tiles chosen to coordinate with the home mission brown tones will be placed inside and outside the fountain to capture the essence of the time period.
Two courtyard containers of single trunk Caladmandin citrus trees will anchor the existing balustrade, while plantings of bird of paradise and low growing Rosette succulents will encircle the courtyard. Lighting will be added to this area to define the architecture of the fountain, basin and exterior wall, as well as the perimeter of the courtyard.
At opposite ends of the lawn, large serpentine beds will be created to highlight waterwise plantings of multi-trunk ornamental trees, variegated green and cream shrubs, and midnight blue agapanthus and bright yellow lilies.
“My goal is to unite color, texture and form between the courtyard and the actual residence,” Arnold explains.
Dormitorio Real/Master Suite
Back for a fifth year, MV Design Group (Burbank) has graduated to a plum task, designing the master suite. Maria Videla-Juniel and Marcus Juniel began their project by reconfiguring the rooms. Designed to provide a modern queen and king with all the amenities of a luxurious and updated retreat with a fabulous Spanish Revival backdrop, when completed the suite will feature his and her bathrooms and ample closet and cabinet space. Grillwork on the cabinets will enhance the Mediterranean ambiance.
Working with a soothing palette of taupes and blues, the design team will unify the master bedroom, his and hers bathrooms and dressing areas. Moorish detailing, natural stone and sumptuous silks will present a sumptuous boudoir.
“While keeping consistent with the era and character of the home,” comments Juniel, “we will also be using the latest technology.” This includes a fully automated shower that can be programmed for personal preferences for a truly pampering experience, and centralized lighting that will allow the entire area or select sections to be illuminated at the touch of a button.
Pasadena Showcase House & Garden of Design 2008 will be open Tuesday-Sunday, April 20-May 18, 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. weekends. Tickets are $30 for Internet, phone and mail orders, $35 at the door. Call (714) 442-3872, or visit www.PasadenaShowcase.org. Proceeds support the arts and provide opportunities for children to discover, enjoy and study classical music.
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