Gamble House (Pasadena, California) facts for kids
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David B. Gamble House
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The Gamble House in 2016
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, California |
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| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Greene & Greene |
| Architectural style | Bungalow in American Craftsman style of Arts and Crafts Movement |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000155 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 3, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | December 22, 1977 |
The Gamble House, also known as the David B. Gamble House, is a famous home in Pasadena, California. It was designed by the architects Greene and Greene. This beautiful house was built in 1908–1909 for David B. Gamble. He was the son of Procter & Gamble founder James Gamble. Today, it is a special historic place called a National Historic Landmark. It is also a California Historical Landmark and you can visit it for tours.
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History of the Gamble House
The Gamble House was designed to look very different from other houses nearby. For example, the Fenyes House was built in a more traditional style. Many houses designed by Greene and Greene have been changed over time. But the Gamble House has been kept in great condition, both inside and out.
David and Mary Gamble lived in the house during the winter months. They lived there until they passed away in the 1920s. Mary's younger sister, Julia, then lived in the house until 1943. Later, Cecil Huggins Gamble and his wife Louise lived there starting in 1946. They thought about selling the house. But they decided not to when they heard buyers wanted to paint the inside wood white.
In 1966, the Gamble family gave the house to the city of Pasadena. This was a joint agreement with the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture. The Gamble House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, two architecture students from USC live in the house each year.
The house was not always popular in the 20th century. But after World War II, it became very well-liked. In 2008, experts in the Los Angeles Times newspaper listed it as one of the top 10 houses in Los Angeles.
The outside of the house became famous around the world. It was used as the Brown Mansion in the movie Back to the Future in 1985. It was also seen in Back to the Future III in 1990. The house was also shown on the TV show This Old House in 1987.
Design and Style of the Gamble House
The Gamble House has three stories and was built as a winter home. It is often called a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts Movement in America. Its style shows ideas from traditional Japanese design. It also has a spacious California feel, thanks to the open land and nice weather. The Arts and Crafts style focuses on using natural materials. It also pays close attention to details, beauty, and good craftsmanship.
The house sits on a grassy hill overlooking Pasadena's Arroyo Seco. This is a wide, dry riverbed that fills with water sometimes. The Gambles loved nature, so the Greenes designed the house to fit its natural surroundings. The house's design shows the Gambles' love for nature. Flowers and trees are shown inside the house. They appear in wood, metal, stained glass, and special stones. The building seems to blend with the landscape. This is because it uses both man-made materials like brick and stucco, and natural ones like granite stones.
The house shows a strong influence from Japanese architecture. Shapes like clouds and mist, and other "oriental" designs, are on the doors, windows, and furniture. This was another way the house showed its focus on nature. These patterns were inspired by shapes found in nature.
The Greenes also used a "theme of three" to show nature's influence. This meant grouping three objects together in every room. Sometimes they were placed evenly, but often they were not. This mix of unevenness and balance shows how nature has many different shapes and sizes.
Inside the Gamble House
The rooms inside the house use many different kinds of wood. You can see Teak, maple, oak, Port Orford cedar, and mahogany. These woods are placed together to show off their different colors and textures. The custom furniture also has designs that match the fireplaces. The main staircase shows its connecting parts, which were left visible.
One of the wooden panels in the entry hall is a secret door to the kitchen. Another panel opens to a coat closet.
The Greenes worked with skilled local builders. These builders had worked with them on other homes in Pasadena. The Hall brothers, Peter and John, were responsible for the amazing woodworking. The Gamble family crest, which has a crane and a trailing rose, is seen in many places.
The different woods, the low room shapes, and the natural light make the house feel relaxed. Most rooms are regular shapes and are around a central hall. The house might not be as wild in design as some other famous homes. But it feels very comfortable and its designs are often focused on small areas.
The ceilings are different heights on the first and second floors. The den also has a different ceiling height. The shapes and sizes of the spaces change as you move through the house. This is especially true when you go from the inside to the second-floor porches and outdoor terraces. The third floor was planned as a billiard room. But the Gamble family used it as an attic.
Rooms to Explore
The living room was designed without any entry doors. This was to make the room feel open and welcoming. It had a large sitting area with five rugs designed by Charles Greene. Across from the fireplace, a window leads to the terrace. This window was made to let in lots of light in the late afternoon. At the end of the room, there are bookcases, a small games table, and a piano. The piano was designed to blend in with the room's wood panels.
On the west side of the house, the dining room is surrounded by the terrace and garden. Edward R. Bosley's book, Gamble House: Greene and Greene, says the room was made to "bring nature to the indoors." The entrance to the room is angled from the hall and has two doors. These doors have glass panels with cloud designs. This entrance was meant to make you feel excited and curious as you entered the room.
Outside and Gardens
The outdoor areas were just as important as the inside rooms. There are porches off three of the second-floor bedrooms. These were used for sleeping or for guests.
The main terrace is behind the house. It has brick paving, plants, a large curved pond, and garden walls. These walls are made with special bricks and large rocks. Paths made with smooth stones from the nearby Arroyo Seco look like small streams. The entire landscape design fits perfectly with the house's architecture. The triple front door has a Japanese black pine design in stained glass. This shows the Asian influence throughout the house.
California Historical Landmark Marker
The California Historical Landmark Marker NO. 871 at the house says:
- NO. 871 THE GAMBLE HOUSE - Built in 1908, the David B. Gamble House is a tribute to the genius of architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. Its design represents a unique California lifestyle and is a masterpiece of American craftsmanship. In 1966 it was made a gift by the Gamble family to the City of Pasadena in a joint agreement with the University of Southern California.
Images for kids
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China cabinets
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A rocking chair
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Sitting room
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Dining table and chairs
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Outdoor lamp on the back porch
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The garden pond
Gamble Family Professorship
The Gamble family also created a special teaching position at Occidental College. This position is currently held by Dr. Kristi Upson-Saia, who studies ancient history.
See also
In Spanish: Casa Gamble para niños
- Anglo-Japanese style
- Japonisme
