By 

Leticia Marie Sanchez

Lucky Baldwin was a fortunate man. Legend has it that he made his sizable fortune due to a stroke of impeccable timing. Mr. Baldwin was away on a trip to Asia and ordered one of his employees to sell his silver mine stocks if the price dropped below a specific level. These were the days long before E-trading. Sure enough, the price dropped. However, as luck would have it, his minion could not find the key to the safe bearing the deed to the stocks. Being locked out proved unbelievably profitable. The stock prices soared and Mr. Baldwin amassed a fortune. This one uncanny event resulted in a multimillion dollar gain, resulting in his position as one of the wealthiest men on the West Coast.  Baldwin’s abundant properties include the LA County Arboretum and the beautiful Baldwin Oaks Estate that was the Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2026. 

Purchased for his daughter Clara, the home was a center of entertainment. One can imagine the lavish soirees she hosted in this charming Arcadia venue. The Pasadena Showcase House of Design not only benefits the arts community who receive donations for their organizations, it also allows designers to showcase their array of talents.

Some highlights of the home include: the lovely room surrounded by lavender hues juxtaposed with a contemporary painting that evoked the era of Abstract Expressionism.

Another historic touch, in homage to the adjacent race track, was the image of the horsei in the room designed by interior designer Carla Lane.

Another highlight was hearing the insights by the panel of designers at the showcase preview.

The designers spoke about keeping the structural integrity of historical homes, and standing firm against the desires of clients who wish to demolish the original foundation. I am grateful for the resolve of these designers and for the vision of Lucky Baldwin, both of whom allowed us to step back into time in the Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2026.