Photo by Susan PICKERING

The 61st Pasadena Showcase House of Design is now open, offering visitors a rare opportunity to enter the historic Baldwin Oaks Estate in Arcadia, which has never before been seen by the public. The area’s most prominent design professionals have reimagined the 1907, shingle-style home for the 21st century, all while honoring the estate’s significance in the Arts and Crafts movement. 

Guided tours and the annual Shops at Showcase opened April 19 and continue through May 17. New this year, Showcase House visitors will enjoy special experiences across the property – from wine and whiskey tastings, candle making and charcuterie workshops to live music performances and Speakeasy Friday nights, floral design classes and yoga on the lawn.

The historic Baldwin Oaks Estate features an oak staircase at the entry, handcrafted wood detailing and nearly two acres of tree-filled gardens. This architecturally significant estate was built at the turn of the 20th century for Clara Baldwin Stocker, known as “the Diamond Princess.” She was the daughter of Elias “Lucky” Baldwin, a wealthy pioneer credited with developing Arcadia.

Guests are welcome to view the finished estate in all of its splendor elevated to the standards of modern luxury with a careful eye toward the past. Outdoors, California’s most illustrious landscape designers transform the grounds into an immersive botanical experience – pairing native plantings with sculptural stonework and pathways shaded by the century-old oaks that give the estate its name. A pool, gazebo and outdoor kitchen complete the picture of historic grandeur. 

Guests can also browse the anticipated Shops at Showcase, offering an array of boutique vendors as well as several on-site eateries for a leisurely lunch and cocktail. Sunday brunches and special Mother’s Day weekend brunches are back by high demand, along with a new roster of special events. Enjoy wine and cocktail tastings, floral arrangement classes, yoga on the lawn, walking tours and Friday night fun. 

Proceeds benefit Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, an all-volunteer non-profit that has supported local music and arts programs since 1948. Throughout its history, the organization has given more than $27 million to nonprofit organizations in support of music education, scholarships, concerts, and music therapy.

Tickets are on sale now at https://pasadenashowcase.org/tickets/.