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$1,950,000
1097 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
2Beds
1Baths
1,204Sq Ft
4Parking
1947Built
20Days Listed
About This Property
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 ex
Property Location
Map
Property Details
- Property Type
- Detached
- Bedrooms
- 2
- Bathrooms
- 1
- Building Area
- 1,204 Sqft
- Living Area
- 1,204 sqft
- Year Built
- 1947
- Status
- Active
- Days on Market
- 20
- Cumulative Days on Market
- 2
- Original Price
- $1,950,000
Location & Neighborhood
What's nearby 1097 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
Nearby Schools
- Allendale Elementary School0.1 mi
elementary
- Blair High School0.3 mi
secondary
- Building 11110.4 mi
post_secondary
Parks & Recreation
- Allendale Park0.2 mi
park
Local Amenities
POI data updated 5/20/2026
Pasadena Market Snapshot
284
Active Listings
$1.2M
Median Price
49
Avg Days on Market
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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Listed by
George Penner, COMPASS · 626-807-8558
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of the date of this data. This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing.
$1,950,000