Under Contract

1097 S Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91106
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Bed 2

Bed

Bath 0

Bath

SqFt1,204

Sqft

SqFt8,984

Sqft(Lot)

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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Detail Ic Property Details

Property Type : Residential

Price : $1,950,000

AD Id : 78916725

MLS Id : P1-27221

Beds : 2

Lot Size : 8,984 Sqft

Living Area Size : 1,204

Year Built : 1947

Garage : 2

County : Los Angeles

  • Map Map

Map

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Feature Features

  • Bedroom Information

    Total Bedrooms: 2

    Bathroom Information

    Total Baths: 1 Full Baths: 0 Half Baths: 0

    Water/Sewer

    Water Source: Public Sewer: Public Sewer
  • Interior Features

    Roof: Concrete,See Remarks Property Appliances: Dishwasher,Gas Oven Flooring: Concrete
  • Cooling Features

    Central Air Air Conditioning

    Heating Source

    Central Has Heating

    Fireplace

    Has Fireplace: 1

  • Building Information

    Year Built: 1947 Construction: Concrete,Stucco Roof: Concrete,See Remarks
  • Security Features

    Security System
  • Pool Features

    None

  • Lot Details

    Lot Dimensions Source: Vendor Enhanced Lot Size Acres: 0.2062
  • Lot Size Source: Assessor Lot Size Square Feet: 8984

  • Listing Price Information

    Original List Price: 1,950,000 Listing Contract Date: 2026-04-30
  • Lease Information

    Listing Agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell

  • Tax Information

    Parcel Number: 5324005008

  • Garage and Parking

    Garage Description: Tandem,Uncovered

    Homeowners Association

  • Other Property Info

    Source Listing Status: Active Under Contract Source Neighborhood: 648 - Pasadena (SE) Directions: When you come off the 110 Freeway turn right onto Glenarm Street. Proceed east to Los Robles Ave. Turn right onto Los Robles Ave. The property is located on your right, on the corner of Wallis Street. Source Property Type: Residential Area: 648 - Pasadena (SE) Property SubType: Single Family Residence
  • Building and Construction

    Property Age: 79 Common Walls: No Common Walls Property Condition: Updated/Remodeled Structure Type: Single Family Residence Year Built Source: Assessor Total Square Feet Living: 1204 Levels or Stories: One Building Total Stories: 1 Structure Type: House
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Nearby Home Value

Address Estimate Bed Bath Sq. Ft Lot Size
92 N Allen Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $2,990,000 -- -- 5,971 5,971 SqFt
66 N Allen Avenue #3, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $999,000 3 2 1,700 1,700 SqFt
170 N Sierra Bonita Ave.., Pasadena, CA, 91106 $750,000 3 2 1,315 1,315 SqFt
165 S Meridith Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $928,000 1 1 624 624 SqFt
580 N Holliston Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $2,250,000 -- -- 4,744 4,744 SqFt
395 N Holliston Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,045,000 2 1 880 880 SqFt
577 N Chester Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,800,000 6 3 2,944 2,944 SqFt
638 N Mar Vista, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $2,580,000 -- -- 5,230 5,230 SqFt
620 S Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $5,495,000 4 2 4,615 4,615 SqFt
115 S Chester Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,720,000 -- -- 3,264 3,264 SqFt

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ByOwner last updated this listing 06/09/2026 @ 13:33

MLS: P1-27221 LISTED BY: George Penner, COMPASS 626-205-4040 SOURCE: CRMLS

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