Active Under Contract

1097 S Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91106
Mark as Favorite
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.

Read More Expand

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

Map What's Nearby

Map Nearby Areas

Feature Features

  • Bedroom Information

    Total beds: 2

    Bathroom Information

    Total Baths: 1

    Roofing Information

    Concrete, See Remarks

    Flooring Information

    Concrete
  • Interior Features

    Roof: Concrete, See Remarks
    Appliances: Dishwasher, Gas Oven
  • Heating & Cooling

    Has Heating: Yes Heating: Central Has Cooling: Yes Cooling: Central Air

  • Building Information

    Year Built: 1947
    Construction Materials: Concrete, Stucco
    Stories: 1
    Pool Features: None
    Private Pool: No
    View: None

  • Lot Information

    Main Square Feet: 8984 Lot Size Acres: 0.2062 Lot Size Source: Assessor Lot Size Square Feet: 8,984

  • Listing Price Information

    Listing Price: $1950000
    Cash

  • Tax Information

    Parcel Number: 5324005008 Tax Lot: 8

  • Parking Information

    Parking Total: 4 Tandem, Uncovered

    Garage Information

    Has Garage: Yes Garage Space: 2

  • Location Information

    Direction: 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. WaterSource: Public Security Features: Security System
Sell a home like this and save $116,501 Find out How

How much is this property worth?

Curious about this home's true market value? Use our free Home Evaluation Tool to instantly get a personalized Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report. Make smarter, data-driven decisions before you buy.

Images
Loading, please wait...

Nearby Home Value

Address Estimate Bed Bath Sq. Ft Lot Size
507 Sinaloa, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $821,000 2 2 877 877 SqFt
1660 Wagner, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,299,999 3 2 1,424 1,424 SqFt
128 N Sierra Bonita Ave.., Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,288,000 5 1 1,920 1,920 SqFt
612 Landor Lane, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $4,995,000 4 5 4,185 4,185 SqFt
1630 Rose Villa, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,375,000 3 2 1,583 1,583 SqFt
450 N Holliston, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $832,000 3 2 1,014 1,014 SqFt
395 N Holliston Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,045,000 2 1 880 880 SqFt
271 N Holliston Avenue #A, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,470,000 4 4 2,328 2,328 SqFt
115 S Chester Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $1,720,000 -- -- 3,264 3,264 SqFt
1145 Arden Road, Pasadena, CA, 91106 $45,000,000 8 2 18,565 18,565 SqFt

The information being provided by Miami Association of REALTORS® is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Miami Association of REALTORS®. The accuracy of all information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by Miami Association of REALTORS® and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any unauthorized dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2026 Miami Association of REALTORS®. All rights reserved.

ByOwner last updated this listing 07/25/2026 @ 09:32

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

Homes around $1,950,000

Selling? Save $116,501 when you sell a home like this

Tour with a ByOwner Agent