Nestled in the foothills of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, just outside Pasadena, this estate is a testament to timeless architectural elegance and refined interior design. This exclusive residence, designed by Mueller Design, embodies the grandeur of European estate living while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury and functionality. Just 30 minutes from Los Angeles, the property offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle while maintaining convenient access to urban amenities.

A Grand Architectural Vision: European Inspiration Meets California Elegance

When the clients commissioned Mueller Design for this project, they expressed a deep appreciation for European estate architecture and landscaping, inspired by their extensive travels across France, Italy, and England. The goal was to create a residence that exuded old-world charm, yet offered the modern conveniences necessary for contemporary living.

An Impressive Arrival: The Grand Driveway and Estate Landscaping

The approach to the estate is nothing short of breathtaking. Mueller Design’s landscape team meticulously crafted a majestic tree-lined driveway, reminiscent of the grand estates of the French countryside. Lush gardens, sculpted hedges, and meticulously placed fountains create an awe-inspiring entrance, setting the tone for the grandeur that awaits within.

The estate grounds were designed to evoke the romanticism of European formal gardens, featuring winding pathways, stone fountains, rose gardens, and mature oak trees that provide a picturesque backdrop to the home’s stately presence. The driveway curves elegantly towards the imposing front entrance, framed by custom hand-carved limestone columns and lush greenery.

A Statement Entryway: Sweeping Staircases and Artisanal Detailing

The entrance of the estate was designed to make a grand first impression. Guests are greeted by a sweeping staircase, inspired by the 19th-century French châteaux, featuring hand-forged cast iron railings imported from France. This masterpiece of craftsmanship leads to the second level, offering dramatic architectural views of the grand foyer below.

The flooring in the entry hall is a striking Lagos Azul limestone, chosen for its subtle elegance and durability. A stunning hand-carved stone inlay, interwoven with stainless cabochon medallions, creates a magnificent mosaic that draws the eye upwards to the Murano glass chandelier suspended from the ceiling. This custom chandelier, sourced directly from Venice, Italy, casts a warm and inviting glow, adding opulence to the double-height foyer.

Luxurious Interior Spaces: A Blend of Formality and Comfort

The estate’s interior seamlessly combines formal European elegance with modern-day functionality. Every room was meticulously curated by Mueller Design, from bespoke furniture to custom finishes, ensuring that each space tells its own story.

The Living Room: Timeless Elegance with a Contemporary Twist

The formal living room is a perfect balance of tradition and comfort. Rich butter oak wainscoting envelops the space, providing warmth and depth. Plush, custom-designed striped sofas add a refined yet inviting feel, creating a space that is both sophisticated and livable. Silk and hemp wall coverings lend an organic texture, complementing the soft Venetian plaster walls that reflect natural light beautifully.

A grand fireplace, adorned with Italian marble and intricate carvings, anchors the room, making it a perfect space for both intimate gatherings and large social events. A custom Persian silk rug lays beneath a handcrafted mahogany coffee table, completing the room’s aesthetic.

The Kitchen: The Heart of Modern Luxury

The estate’s chef’s kitchen seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art appliances with old-world craftsmanship. Custom-designed cabinetry, finished in soft French gray, provides ample storage, while Calacatta gold marble countertops add a touch of understated luxury. The kitchen island, topped with a single slab of Carrara marble, is both functional and visually stunning.

Luxury appliances, including Miele, La Cornue, and Sub-Zero, ensure the kitchen is equipped for both casual family meals and grand entertaining. An adjacent breakfast nook, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers panoramic views of the meticulously designed gardens.

A Unique and Personalized Touch: Custom Entertainment Spaces

The homeowners, avid lovers of music and marine life, requested specialized spaces that reflect their passions. Mueller Design incorporated these interests seamlessly into the home’s layout.

The Music Room: A Sanctuary for Creative Expression

A highlight of the estate is the custom-designed music room, dedicated to the client’s extensive guitar collection. Warm Mikas Ebony wood paneling lines the walls, creating an intimate and inspiring atmosphere. The room serves as both a display gallery and a functional studio, allowing the owner to move seamlessly from playing, composing, and recording within a beautifully designed space.

The Saltwater Aquarium Divider: A Living Work of Art

One of the home’s most distinctive features is the massive saltwater fish tank, which serves as an artistic divider between the family room and game room. Designed to showcase a mesmerizing collection of exotic marine species, the tank required intricate electrical and water filtration systems, seamlessly integrated into the estate’s infrastructure. The result is a visually striking and tranquil aquatic display, enhancing the ambiance of both rooms.

The Master Suite: A Haven of Luxury and Serenity

The master suite was designed as a private sanctuary, reflecting the homeowners’ distinct tastes while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic with the rest of the home.

Her Master Bath: A Spa-Inspired Retreat

The master bathroom for her is a study in serenity and sophistication. Inspired by coastal European aesthetics, cool blue ceramic tiles wrap the space, reflecting soft natural light. The vanities, crafted from Venetian silver glass and Carrara marble, create an ethereal and luxurious feel. A standalone soaking tub sits beneath a chandelier of delicate hand-blown glass, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere.

His Master Bath: Masculine Refinement

In contrast, his master bathroom exudes classic masculinity, featuring a striking black-and-white marble palette reminiscent of New York’s iconic penthouses. A custom cigar-hued vanity, adorned with Art Deco brass fixtures, pays homage to vintage luxury. A rainfall steam shower, clad in graphite-honed marble, completes the indulgent experience.

Outdoor Living: The Ultimate Private Oasis

The estate’s outdoor spaces were designed to offer both grandeur and tranquility, making full use of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop. The multi-tiered gardens, featuring lush plantings, stone pathways, and water features, transport visitors to the heart of a European villa.

A glistening infinity-edge pool reflects the sky, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and cityscape beyond. The custom-designed poolside pavilion features a fully stocked outdoor bar, fire pit, and al fresco dining area, making it the ultimate space for luxurious outdoor entertaining.

Experience the Art of Luxury Living with Mueller Design

At Mueller Design, we specialize in creating architectural masterpieces that combine art, functionality, and innovation. This San Gabriel Estate is a testament to our commitment to excellence, blending timeless elegance with contemporary comfort. Whether you dream of a European-inspired villa, a modern hillside retreat, or a grand estate, Mueller Design brings your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship.

Explore our portfolio of luxury residences and let us transform your dream home into reality.