The Gamble House which was built in the early 20th century in 1908 was an architectural masterpiece of that era that has recently been designated as a National Heritage Landmark in the United States. The house was meant to be the home of the millionaire businessman David B. Gamble of the Proctor and Gamble Company. Though it was originally intended to be the winter home of David and Mary Gamble, the exquisite architecture of the building led to become a residential ark commonly described as a masterpiece of American art.
The secret behind its architectural brilliance was that the designers broke sharply with the accepted norms of that time, borrowing heavily from traditional Japanese architectural styles. The two brothers that drew up the plan for the house Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene utilized the spaciousness of the California property and blended in oriental aesthetics into their design to create a unique fusion of two contrasting architectural styles. Their, idea bore rich dividend sin later years with it being representative of the artistic schools of American architecture. Though many clients of the Greene’s couldn’t afford the massive construction charges and the luxuries of the Gamble House, there creation spawned a new wave in architecture and inspired countless others to follow suit and blend different styles from different countries.
The interior of the house can be modestly described as being luxurious! It features extensive wood paneling from a variety of different species such as teak, maple, oak, mahogany and cedar. The furniture was custom made to suit the interior of the house and makes the interior of the extremely sensuous.
The exterior is a fusion of Japanese architecture and spatial country mansions; the teak paneling is the defining quality of the house. The large exterior porches in the houses make it seem even more expansive and were used for relaxing and entertaining, while a traditional Japanese water garden is featured in the backyard.
A number of
Pasadena hotels are located close to the Gamble house, such as the Langham Hotel, Pasadena. This hotel upholds the sunny hospitality and the same standards of comforts seen at many
hotels in Pasadena.
