About 1485 E Mendocino Street
Designed and built by Wallace Neff, AIA for his wife Louise, the Neff Honeymoon Cottage is a treasure in Altadena. Beautifully sited on a large lot, this piece of Altadena history has been exquisitely maintained and preserved, and remarkably survived the Eaton Fire in 2025. Tucked behind mature hedges with a lush green lawn and framed by eucalyptus trees, the house is immediately recognizable as Neff's signature Spanish Colonial Revival style. A meandering path leads to the alcove front porch, an intimate greeting and a glimpse into the romance that lies beyond the front door. The front door opens to the stately living room with a beamed ceiling, warm red clay tile floors that prove there is beauty in age, an open staircase, and a decorative fireplace. Almost everywhere you look there are architectural details of interest, including arched doorways and windows, wrought iron sconces, and clever things like original interior wood shutters--you feel enveloped in history and immediately know the care that went into designing this house. To the left is the formal dining room with a sunny window out to the front yard; the authenticity of the hand troweled plaster walls that are featured in this room and throughout the home, are pronounced. The adjacent kitchen was sensitively remodeled and exudes charm with a marble top center island, decorative tiles, and hand-painted accents. A garden room off the kitchen, previously a covered porch in the original design, extends the living space and has a wall of French doors and windows that all look out to the picturesque enclosed courtyard. The main floor is complete with a small bedroom suite. Two bedrooms with a shared bath make up the second floor. The primary bedroom has a generous closet and features an inviting balcony overlooking the verdant lawn, an ideal quiet reading spot. The house is surrounded by enchanting gardens, including the central walled garden with tranquil fountain as a focal point and mature plantings that have been ornamentally pruned, further evidence of the quality of the property and the tender care taken by the present owner. It is often said that owning such a significant piece of architecture is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and for this special home with its peaceful quiet elegance, this architectural opportunity rises to the level of fine art.
