The beauty of this 1924 Italian Revival estate by Clarence L. Jay has inspired generations of sensitive enhancements. In this century, they’ve included enrichments by renowned designer Matthew White and kitchen virtuoso Cynthia Bennett. A newly reimagined pool and spa with outdoor kitchen and sundeck mark the latest chapter in this evolution.
Period splendor is everywhere, from an original boxwood parterre garden to a stunning beamed library with Batchelder tile fireplace. Just outside the room’s wall of leaded glass windows, a private courtyard with fountain can be seen.
The dramatic parquet-floored entry features a curving staircase that sweeps to an open second level gallery.In the nearby living room, three sets of airy French doors open to a patio overlooking grounds that sweep down to the pool and covered dining pavilion.
The glowing Cynthia Bennett kitchen, anchored by a long center island with seating for four, opens to a banquette breakfast area. Upstairs, the lavish master retreat, one of six bedroom suites, opens to a wraparound deck with leafy views.
Set on over an acre of flat land, the property includes a 1,200 square foot guest house. It’s within the award-winning San Marino Unified School district.
The estate at 1015 Oak Grove Avenue, one of San Marino’s most iconic streets, is listed by Ben Kelly at $7,995,000.