Castle Green

 

Castle Green tourists in its early days

 

I've been intrigued by Pasadena's Castle Green ever since I noticed what I now know is a bridge that used to reach across Raymond Avenue, connecting east and west structures of the Hotel Green resort. Built in the late 1890s, the magnificent hotel was a getaway for rich tourists wishing to experience Southern California's sunny climate. The eastern half of the resort was eventually destroyed, but the western half remains as a private condo complex. Although the property is open to the public twice a year—on Mother's Day and again in December—we've never been able to squeeze the tour into our busy schedule. That is, until today.

The grounds, first floor and several units at Castle Green were open today, starting at 1PM. Not wanting to drive all the way to Pasadena, we instead took three different lightrail lines from Culver City. We left the house at 11:15AM and arrived at the Castle 20 minutes early. There was already a line to get in. Twenty-five minutes later, we were inside, roaming around the first floor, while a choir sang Christmas songs. Taking a tip from someone who had done the tour before, we climbed seven flights of stairs and started at the penthouse, which was originally built as a conservatory for tropical plants. Its glass ceiling was covered during WWII and now the space is the largest apartment in the building. Its view of Pasadena is spectacular.

 

On our way into the building

 

 Lobby staircase

 

Penthouse

 

View of Pasadena

From there, we walked down the staircase to each floor, where several tenants welcomed us—and everyone else—into their homes. Most of the units were small—one bedroom at most—but each one was completely unique, reflecting the tastes and interests of its occupant(s). If I didn't love our house so much, I would have been ready to pack everything up and move to Castle Green in a flash. Of course, we would have to get rid of 90% of our stuff to fit into a one-bedroom unit, but what a wonderful place to live!

 

Wrought iron staircase

 

A Buddhist shrine in one living room

 

Another living room was completely Victorian

 

Kitchens were tiny, but a focal point—this one was recently

renovated

 

Another kitchen (my fave) was completely retro: mauve cabinets

with yellow counters, refrigerator, and . . .

 

stove (I want one!)

 

Yet another style of kitchen. As one woman said, how does

one even cook in here?

 

Bathrooms were fun, too—most with ancient

fixtures

 

I loved this pink one the best

 

Interesting light fixtures

 

Love this!

 

Two enormous lamp shades in the downstairs sitting room

 

View of the remaining bridge from one of the unit's balcony 

 

North end of complex

 

One of two distinctive turrets

 

Turret (detail)

 

Bridge (detail)