Great Escape: Pasadena Showcase House of Design Integrates Past With Present

Escape to a place of art and beauty at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design—one of the oldest and largest home and garden tours in the nation. This year’s house, which is open through May 15, is the 47th and was designed in 1927 by celebrated architect Paul R. Williams. It has been restored and updated with architectural integrity by a team of 25 acclaimed interior designers and landscape architects.

Boasting Old World charm and masterful detail, the estate features a 7,200+ square foot home, 1,800 square foot guest house, 8 gardens, tennis court, oversized swimming pool and accompanying pool house on 4.5 acres. In addition, the Showcase for the first time features a four-car garage as a design space. Equipped with the latest green technology and environmentally friendly solutions, this 'man cave' also houses a wine cooler and beer keg refrigerator for the ultimate hangout.

Williams was renowned for designing major buildings such as the Federal Office Building, LA County Courthouse, Union Station, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Beverly Hills Hotel and over 2,000 homes in Southern California. He was also known as the "architect to the stars"—Cary Grant, Groucho Marx, Lauren Bacall, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Humphrey Bogart, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Tyrone Powers and dozens more were among his clients.

Adding another element of design, don't miss the Shops at the Showcase which features 33 vendors. You'll find clothing and accessories that range from edgy to vintage, unique designer jewelry, lovely gift items, an assortment of housewares that extend from practical to luxurious, scrumptious items for the gourmet, and a myriad of items at varying price points. Twenty-five percent of your purchase is tax deductible as a charitable contribution. Guests can revisit the Shops at Showcase any time that the house is open to the public without a ticket.

Before or after your visit, make it extra special by making a stop at the restaurants at the Showcase. The Tastebuds Terrace Restaurant has inspired English countryside decor, complete with chandeliers, antique bell jars, floral fabrics and china cabinets with tea cups—it is a charmingly perfect getaway for a meal or a cocktail. The Tavern on the Woods adds a masculine balance to the Terrace with traditional pub fare. If you are in a rush, the Gourmet Take Away Station provides fresh packaged salads and sandwiches.  The restaurants do not require a Showcase tour ticket, so you can go dine separately for a special occasion, even Easter or Mother's Day brunch.

The proceeds from the Showcase support music and arts enrichment programs. Since its inception, Showcase has helped raised over 17 million dollars and brought music programs to hundreds of thousands of school children throughout Southern California.

When: Through May 15. Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Where: Parking is available at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, Lot I, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd.; a free shuttle is provided to the residence. Admission: Showcase: $30-$40. The gardens, restaurant and Shops at Showcase are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.pasadenashowcase.org or by calling 714-442-3872.  Recorded Showcase Information: 626-578-8500. Restaurant Information: 818-989-9944 (reservations for 10 or more). Open Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.