On the Market

If you’re looking for a local a realtor recommendation, there’s a high chance somebody will name drop Sarah Rogers ­— the San Marino-based The Agency’s estate division’s executive director.

Rogers landed her recent listing, 1592 Virginia Rd. in San Marino thanks to a recommendation from a realtor she worked with previously. “Most of my business comes from referrals,” she says.

The $5.88 million property, comprising a primary residence and guest house, is in an affluent neighborhood close to Valentine Elementary School, Lacy Park and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The manse is also a short distance from shops and restaurants on Mission Street and Lake Avenue.

“It’s a prime street in San Marino and a beautiful neighborhood,” says Rogers. “This is a nice-sized property. It has beautiful character and a lot of curb appeal, but it’s not ostentatious. Anybody would be lucky to live here.”

Local builder Herbert R. Bathrick, who was president of Bathrick Brothers Building Company, constructed the Monterey colonial style primary residence in 1932. With his brother Eugene, they constructed over 100 homes in different styles — from Spanish to Monterey revival — in Pasadena and Altadena. During the 1930s, a “Bathrick-built” house was a well-known example of quality workmanship, and this Virginia Road property has stood the test of time, albeit with modern upgrades and amenities.

Ideal for a growing family or a single buyer seeking loads of extra space, the main house’s interior spans 4,888 square feet and includes five upstairs bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. On the first floor, the family room features built-in cabinets and a large wet bar with an ice maker. The light-filled gourmet kitchen has stainless-steel luxury appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, a Miele dishwasher and Thermador double ovens. Design details include high-paneled ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops and soft-closing drawers, as well as a large center island with a breakfast bar, window-lined walls and double French doors that overlook the pool and sprawling backyard.

Off the kitchen is the laundry room, which includes a Miele washer and dryer, a sink, and custom cabinetry with ample storage space.

Rogers’ favorite room is the library, which also has a spectacular view of the garden. The library boasts bespoke arched built-in bookshelves, a brick fireplace, and pinewood wall paneling. “The [workmanship of the] paneling tells you that this house has been well constructed,” she says.

Outside, a motor court and four-car garage offer an additional 1,072 square feet of parking and storage space. The home also features a pool and spa, and multiple patios.

The 1,622-square-foot guest house, built in 1989, is Rogers’ favorite amenity. “It lends itself to the entertainment vibe of the property and has the flexibility to be a great space for visitors,” she says. “Or it could be a permanent residence for family members.” The guest house is also fully functional as a stand-alone residence with a large living room, three-quarter bathroom, kitchen, ensuite bedroom, and an attached one-car garage.

“There are other beautiful homes in the area that will come up for sale, but my prediction is that they won’t have a four-car garage, and [even if they do] they probably won’t have a guest house,” says Rogers. “I think these additional amenities make this property even more attractive.”

The entire property, Rogers believes, “will attract a buyer that has a view of, ‘This is a place we could be for a long chapter.’ I can picture the owner enjoying the home for the next 50 years.”