the gamble house

We visited three wonderful places in Pasadena at the end of a stay on the west coast (from England): the Norton Simon, the Huntington Library, and the Gamble House. All were amazing, but had similar closing days so needed careful planning, especially as there was so much to enjoy at them all.We took the long tour, of 2.5 hours. It was not cheap but worthwhile and included light refreshments half way through. Each group is limited to ten people though they exceptionally allowed eleven on the one we took, to accommodate us both. (This option was not allowed through online booking but the chap who ran the shop was more flexible so do not give up if the computer says No).We were given plenty of time to look around and the guide was clued up. We saw three floors: first and second plus the interesting basement (where we were given the refreshments).The only regret was that photographs were not allowed inside the house. I would have been willing to pay a suppement for this but it was not offered. It was dark inside though ( we were given torches) so perhaps photography was deemed impractical.The house and its history were fascinating. Anyone interested in Arts and Crafts architecture and furnishings should make the effort to see it.

Make a reservation in advance and take the tour. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and presented that information in a fun and engaging style.Even if you are a fan of Victorian architecture, check out an alternative perspective to what a house should be. Parking is a challenge, so get there early enough to find a legal spot and avoid the ire of the two schools on either side.If you like Craftsman style, get the $1.25 guide to other Craftsman homes nearby. You can walk or drive, but since these are actual homes, don't expect a tour.None of them could match the Gamble House anyway.

If you an architecture fan, don't miss this amazing example of Arts and Crafts style. If you are not a fan, it's hard not to enjoy the tour of this house, once belonging to the Gamble family, of Procter & Gamble. I have visited four times and been amazed every time. It's also pleasant to stroll around the neighborhood and see other great examples of Arts and Crafts architecture. Tours are generally small, so plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Highly recommended.

Greene and Greene architectural arts and crafts architectural style is unique and rewarding to visit. This house is well preserved and represents a terrific representation of this style.

If you haven't been here and you are visiting the area you really can't miss this place. Make the effort to figure out when it is open (pretty often so don't stress) and take a docent tour. The place is a true world-class example of arts and crafts living. The woodworker in your family will go nuts it is so beautiful. The docents add the lifestyle part of the story that really makes a difference in understanding how precedent setting this design was.

Take the tour,walk the grounds and visit the book store. The most beautiful home you have seen in the Craftsman style.

A lovely house and a very good tour. The house looks much as it must have looked when the Gamble's moved in. The docent was knowledgeable and friendly.

We unfortunately had only a brief first floor tour of the house because Tuesday is the day for shorter lunch time tours but this one encouraged me to go back to see more of the house. We had a very knowledgable and animated tour guide who gave us the background of the Gamble family. Thankfully when the final Mrs. Gamble put the house on the market in the 1960's, she overheard a prospective buyer tell his wife he will paint the interior white to brighten the house which led the Gambles to take the house off the market and donate it to the city?? Not sure, maybe to a private foundation. At any rate the house was saved and is in original and amazing condition. Anyone who enjoys skilled and beautiful woodwork will be amazed at the craftsmanship and beauty of this house. Although we could tour only the first floor on Tuesday and it is not terribly large, there was so much to look at and marvel over that it was enough!

Tours of this lovely home are one hour guided and run every half hour. During busy times, it would be prudent to book ahead of time. We had a wonderful guide who made the house and the period come alive with the Gamble Family ghosts lurking in the background. The house is very dark as was common for the era. Those who enjoy architecture, home decor, interesting people, and history will love it.

I am into woodworking and this was a true delight. The docent was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was not crowded. Be sure to check out the days and times that it is open. Easy to get to and parking was spacious. It helped to learn more about the area and how it was established.

Stunning - for a perfectionist like me, it's heavenly to see so much attention to detail. so, so beautiful.

The Gamble House is the pinnacle of the work of Charles and Henry Greene. Called the "ultimate bungalow," the Greenes moved the arts and crafts design in houses to its highest pinnacle. This is the best preserved example of their work. Built in 1908, this masterpiece has a timeless quality.

Not to be missed when you are in Pasadena. Make a reservation for a tour and be sure to visit the gift store in the garage.

Gamble House is one of several interesting homes in this neighborhood. We took a 30 minute tour which was well organized and presented and succeeded in highlighting many of the unique architectural features of the house.

Green and Green (wooden) architecture at its best! If you're looking for something to do for a couple of hours while in Pasadena, put a visit to this lovely older home on your short list. I had the fortune to know a grandson of the family, who regailed me with stories of visiting grandma and grandpa who lived there. But, you'll hear quite a bit on your visit.