2012 PASADENA SHOWCASE

Drenched in romance amid a chaparral forest of Coast Live Oak trees, and twinkling night skies, lies the estate's pool terrace inspired by Hollywood's Silent Film Era. The spirit of actor Rudolf Valentino (The Sheik) serves as an inspiration in fashioning a pool, spa, and BBQ kitchen with 1920s Hollywood Moroccan styling.

Antique North African terracotta storage jars, hanging Moroccan lanterns and lush drought tolerant sub-tropical greenery all recreate the exotic splendor of the California of past times. Arabian Nights textiles of rich and wonderfully vibrant colors, patterns and textures drape the tended dining room and furnishings. With European sensibilities, the old and the contemporary blend together in true 21st century style.

The existing BBQ has been remodeled into a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen.
The unique blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Moorish Revival architecture of this fabulous 1927 estate home is not forgotten. Handcrafted Malibu Revival tile in patterns original to the 1920s have been custom designed by Carson-Magness' designers to enhance the existing peacock tile mosaic. The spa spillway and pool liner accentuate the detail and color of the peacocks themselves, allowing them to become the true
focal point of this exotic pool terrace.

2010 PASADENA SHOWCASE

Here is our treatment for the project:

In Waterwise a la Francaise, Versailles’ classical parterres merge with 21st Century Moderne, demonstrating that sustainable, drought tolerant landscapes can be chic. Inspired by the work of Andre Le Notre, 17th Century landscape architect and principal gardener to King Louis XIV of France, Carson-Magness Landscapes transforms the French parterre to fit southern California’s hot, dry climate.

Vibrantly colored Mediterranean plants are woven together, with the intricacy of a Persian rug and the richness of a filigree jewelry box. Long lasting, drought tolerant succulents are planted in mass, making for an earth friendly alternative to water dependent annual color. A rose wall, branching out from graceful wrought iron arches creates an intimate setting, shielding visitors from the surrounding parking lot.

Stone paths of veined, rose colored marble echo Versailles’ Grand Trianon. Each cobble is hand laid with precision and craft, highlighting Carson-Magness’ motto of Art and Elegance in the Landscape. As does the old and the new merge in France, Barry Magness has designed a contemporary water sculpture exclusively for the 2010 Pasadena Showcase House that is featured in the center of the landscape.

Color, texture, scent and sound engage the senses, drawing you into this garden of French romance. Ooolala.