1097 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
Local realty services provided by:Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Town Center
1097 S Los Robles Avenue,Pasadena, CA 91106
$1,950,000
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- - sq. ft.
- Single family
- Sold
Listed by: george penner
Office: compass626-205-4040
MLS#:P1-27221
Source:CRMLS
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Price summary
- Price:$1,950,000
About this home
The Wallace Neff Shell House, carefully restored by its current owners with a commitment to preserving the integrity of Neff's original architectural intent, the residence remains a remarkably intact artifact of mid-century innovation.Set on an approximately 9,000-square-foot corner lot, the two-bedroom dome dwelling unfolds as a study in organic geometry and spatial efficiency. Beneath the curved shell, a circular half living room radiates from a central fireplace, flowing seamlessly into the kitchen and adjoining bath. The home's monolithic form blurs distinctions between structure and sculpture, embodying Neff's belief that architecture could be economical, resilient, and profoundly modern.In addition, the property includes an over 1,000-square-foot detached studio space, with submitted ADU plans in process with the city. This structure currently incorporates a large open public space, bath and separate bedroom. Further underscoring the property's historic significance is a rare Airform-constructed bomb shelter, added in the 60s, approximately 15 feet below the studio. Two patio outdoor seating areas, one nestled between the dome and detached studio space, the other positioned just outside the dome, are thoughtfully integrated within the surrounding gardens and gated drive.Originally conceived in 1947, The Shell House stands today as the sole surviving example in the United States of Neff's visionary Airform construction system. Also referred to as 'Bubble House,' a reinforced concrete construction, erected with an inflatable balloon and then sprayed with gunite, this experimental post-war housing concept fuses futurist engineering with sculptural domestic design. The Shell House represents a singular chapter in American architectural history, an extraordinarily rare convergence of preservation, experimentation, and design vision. A potential Mills Act candidate, if desired....
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Home facts
- Year built:1947
- Listing ID #:P1-27221
- Added:78 day(s) ago
- Updated:August 06, 2026 at 07:24 AM
Rooms and interior
- Bedrooms:2
- Total bathrooms:1
- Flooring:Concrete
- Kitchen Description:Dishwasher, Gas Oven
Heating and cooling
- Cooling:Central Air
- Heating:Central
- Central air:Yes
Structure and exterior
- Roof:Concrete
- Year built:1947
- Architectural Style:Mid Century Modern
- Construction Materials:Concrete, Stucco
- Levels:1 Story
Utilities
- Water:Public
- Sewer:Public Sewer
Finances and disclosures
- Price:$1,950,000
Features and amenities
- Appliances:Dishwasher
Parking
- Total parking spaces:4
- Parking description:Tandem, Uncovered
- Garage:Yes
- Garage spaces:2
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