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1097 S Los Robles Avenue, 
Pasadena, CA 91106

$1,950,000


2

Beds


1

Bath


1,204

Sq Ft


Single Family

Active

Listed by

George Penner

Compass

626-205-4040

Last updated:

July 15, 2026, 11:24 AM

MLS#

P1-27221

Source:

CRMLS

About This Home

1097 S Los Robles Avenue

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 experimental post-war housing concept fuses futurist engineering with sculptural domestic design. The Shell House represents a singular chapter in American architectural history, an extraordinarily rare convergence of preservation, experimentation, and design vision. A potential Mills Act candidate, if desired.

Home Facts

Single Family

1 Bath

2 Bedrooms

Built in 1947

Price Summary

1,950,000

$1,619 per Sq. Ft.

MLS #:

P1-27221

Last Updated:

July 15, 2026, 11:24 AM

Added:

2 month(s) ago


Rooms & Interior

Bedrooms

Total Bedrooms:

2

Bathrooms

Total Bathrooms:

1

Interior

Living Area:

1,204 Sq. Ft.


Structure

Structure

Architectural Style:

Mid Century Modern

Building Area:

1,204 Sq. Ft.

Year Built:

1947


Lot

Lot Size (Sq. Ft):

8,982


Finances & Disclosures

Finances

Price:

$1,950,000

Price per Sq. Ft:

$1,619 per Sq. Ft.

Source:CRMLS
The information being provided by California Regional MLS (Southern California) is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the California Regional MLS (Southern California). Coldwell Banker Tri-Counties Realty is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of Coldwell Banker Tri-Counties Realty, a broker participant of California Regional MLS (Southern California). This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, including but not limited to open house information, square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by California Regional MLS (Southern California) and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any unauthorized dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2021 California Regional MLS (Southern California). All rights reserved.

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