Built for George and Susan Howell in 1912, the Howell House was designed by local engineer, artist, and Renaissance man, Harold Doolittle. In his day, Doolittle served as president of the Pasadena Society of Artists and vice president of the Print Makers of California. Known for his etchings, photographs, brass work and furniture designs, Doolittle’’s artistry is very evident in the decorative architectural elements of the house. 

This two-story historic craftsman is located in a prime area of Altadena near the Altadena Town and Country Club. The beautiful arts and crafts design is immediately evident in its fantastic curb appeal and welcoming front porch. The brick porch and columns are made of clinker brick which are partially irregular bricks that add the earthy quality favored by the arts and crafts designers of the time. 

Once inside, the living room showcases spectacular millwork in the window surrounds and moldings, built-in bookcases, a box beamed ceiling and a gorgeous inglenook surrounding the fireplace. 

The dining room features a built-in china cabinet with leaded glass doors as well as a built-in buffet and a plate rail for showing off plates or artwork. Reflecting on the arts and crafts design, the current owner, a renowned artist, painted a beautiful plein air mural above the wood paneling in the dining room which she titled “Poppyfields of Altadena, 1912.” 

The handsome library features a fireplace and built-in bookcases on each wall with gorgeous leaded glass panes. Just off of the library there is a charming wood paneled sun-room and bathroom. This sunroom and bedroom and the library open out to the large back yard.

The kitchen remodeled in 1946 and the breakfast room are light and bright and enjoy a great layout with french doors opening out to the backyard. A charming laundry room and powder room complete this main level.

The second floor has three bedrooms and a fourth room currently used as an office which could function as a small bedroom. There are two bathrooms on this level, both light, bright and true to the period and aesthetic of the home.

The backyard is a combination of patio spaces for entertaining, vegetable gardens and a selection of fruit trees and native plants that lend an ethereal quality. Under an arbor and at the end of a stone path rests the artist’s studio which is attached to a two car garage. The artist’s studio enjoys high ceilings and the natural light is amplified by multiple skylights. 

This is a distinctive home with an artistic sensibility and compelling architectural integrity… A true Altadena treasure.