Cordelia A. Culbertson House, Pasadena

The Cordelia A. Culbertson House, situated on Hillcrest Avenue in Pasadena, stands as a notable historical structure built in 1911. This house was conceived by Charles and Henry Greene, distinguished architects based in Pasadena, renowned for their Craftsman-style designs. The architectural style of the house merges the classic American Craftsman ethos with distinctive Chinese influences, particularly evident on the home's south side. This blend of styles is a hallmark of Greene and Greene’s designs, and the house's U-shaped floor plan aligns with this tradition.

Unique among the Greene brothers’ projects, the Culbertson House features gunite exterior walls and a tile roof, presenting a distinctive architectural synthesis. Central to the house's design is an Italian garden, offering a serene, landscaped retreat within the property.

Originally built for the Culbertson sisters—Cordelia, Kate, and Margaret, all of whom were unmarried—the house was particularly commissioned by Cordelia, the eldest. In 1917, the property changed hands to Mrs. Dudley P. Allen, a wealthy widow from Cleveland, Ohio. She used it as a summer residence together with her second husband, Francis F. Prentiss, until his passing there in 1937.

Recognizing its architectural significance and historical value, the Cordelia A. Culbertson House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 12, 1985.