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$4,382,000
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Property Description
Welcome to 481 W. Highland Ave - an architectural gem built in 1910, nestled on a gated 1.24-acre lot in one of Sierra Madre's most sought-after neighborhoods. This expansive Craftsman estate offers approximately 6,702 SF of living space and reflects the enduring beauty and scale of early 20th-century design.
A wide, welcoming front porch with signature river rock columns invites you in. Inside, the grand entry and formal foyer are framed by rich original woodwork and period details. The home offers multiple entertaining spaces, including formal living and dining rooms, a cozy sunroom, enclosed balconies, and flexible-use rooms ideal for a study, den, or creative retreat. An elevator further enhances accessibility throughout the main home.
The kitchen remains true to its era, functional and full of charm, supported by a butler's serving area that adds utility and character. Throughout the home, craftsmanship is on display-from leaded glass windows and built-ins to the carved staircase and timeless finishes. Additionally, the home includes a convenient California basement that is easily accessible from both inside and outside, offering extra storage or workspace.
While the home exudes character, it presents an excellent opportunity for upgrades and personalization to align with modern comforts and style.
In 1996, a detached 2-bedroom, 1-bath guest house was added above the 4-car garage, offering approximately 1,107 SF of self-contained living space. The guest house boasts vaulted ceilings and a fireplace in the living room, providing a cozy yet spacious ambiance-complete with its own kitchen, laundry, and HVAC system.
Outdoors, a large rear patio offers an ideal setting for entertaining or relaxing, with views of the expansive backyard, custom pool and spa, fish pond, and the original pool house featuring a stone fireplace, shower, and toilet.
Perfect for the Craftsman enthusiast, this property offers scale, privacy, history, and character in equal measure-just minutes from Sierra Madre's charming downtown, hiking trails, and award-winning schools. With thoughtful updates, this home could truly shine as a modern masterpiece.
Full Property Details
Full Property Details for 481 W Highland Ave
General
- Price: $4,382,000
- Status: Active
- Type: Duplex
- Source: MRMLS
- MLS ID: AR25218892
- Updated: 11/6/2025
- Days on Market: 124 days
- Added to Site: 124 day(s) ago
Interior
- Rooms/Areas: Bonus Room, Den, Dressing Area, Entry, Family Room, Formal Entry, Foyer, Galley Kitchen, Guest/Maid's Quarters, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Main Floor Bedroom, Primary Suite, See Remarks, Two Primaries, Walk-In Closet
- Interior Features: 2 Staircases, Beamed Ceilings, Built-in Features, Ceiling Fan(s), Elevator, High Ceilings, In-Law Floorplan
- Fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace(s): Living Room
- Eating Areas: Family Kitchen, Dining Room
- Appliances: Barbecue, Dishwasher, Gas Range, Gas Water Heater, Refrigerator, Water Heater
- Flooring: Laminate, Wood
Rooms
Bathrooms
- Total Bathrooms: 7
- Full Bathrooms: 7
Bedrooms
- Total Bedrooms: 7
Other Rooms
- Laundry: Individual Room, Inside
Additional Information
- Pool: Yes
- Pool Description: Private, Filtered, Heated, In-Ground
Parking
- Garage: Yes
- Garage Spaces: 4
- Parking: Converted Garage, Driveway, Driveway Level, Garage, Garage Faces Front, Garage Door Opener, RV Potential
Location
- County: Los Angeles
- Driving Directions: Michillinda North, Right onto Highland Ave. - Above Sierra Madre Blvd.
School Information
- School District: Pasadena Unified
Community
- Community Features: Curbs, Sidewalks
Heating & Cooling
- Cooling Type: Central Air
- Heating Type: Forced Air
Utilities
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Structural Information
- Structure Type: Duplex
- Roof: Composition
- Common Walls: No Common Walls
- Disability Access: Parking
- Entry Location: 1
- Stories/Levels: Two
- Stories Description: Two
- Square Feet: 7,809
- Sq. Ft. Source: Public Records
- Year Built: 1910
- Year Built Source: Public Records
Additional Structures
- Other Structures: Guesthouse, Guest House Detached, Two on a Lot
Lot Features
- Property View: Mountain(s), Neighborhood, Pond, Pool
- Lot Size (Acres): 1.2388
- Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 53,963
- Lot Size Source: Public Records
- Zoning: SRR1YY
- Lot Description: Back Yard, Corners Marked, Front Yard, Landscaped, Level with Street, Lot Over 40000 Sqft, Rectangular Lot, Level, Yard
Green Features
- Energy Generation: Solar
Financial Considerations
- Price Per Sq. Ft.: $561.15
Disclosures and Reports
- Special Conditions: Standard
Listed by Compass, Luther Tsinoglou
Get Pre-Approved Today
Schools
Schools serving 481 W Highland Ave
School District:Pasadena Unified School District
| Name | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Sierra Madre Elementary School 141 West Highland Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 | K-5 | 0.4 mi |
Pasadena High School 2925 East Sierra Madre Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 | 9-12 | 1.7 mi |
Disclaimer:
School attendance boundaries provided by Pitney Bowes and are for reference only. Contact the school directly to verify enrollment eligibility.
Price & Sales History for 481 W Highland Ave
Date
Details
Price
Change
Source
9/16/2025
Listed
$4,382,000
48.54%
MLS
10/28/2013
Sold
$2,950,000
—
Public Record
Disclaimer: Historical sales information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Tax History
Tax History for 481 W Highland Ave
Year
Property Taxes
Change
Tax Assessment
Change
2025
$42,555
3%
$3,683,349
4%
2023
$41,404
4%
$3,540,321
2%
2022
$39,977
4%
$3,470,904
2%
2021
$38,348
4%
$3,402,848
1%
2020
$36,809
—
$3,367,957
2%
2019
$36,901
-2%
$3,301,919
2%
2018
$37,464
1%
$3,237,176
2%
2017
$37,093
5%
$3,173,703
4%
2016
$35,457
2%
$3,054,825
2%
2015
$34,923
-1%
$3,008,940
-2%
2014
$35,450
—
$3,070,142
—
2013
$35,525
—
$3,056,267
—
Disclaimer: Historical tax information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Estimate the Cost
Estimate the Cost for 481 W Highland Ave
481 W Highland Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 (MLS# AR25218892) is a Duplex property with 7 bedrooms and 7 full bathrooms. 481 W Highland Avenue is currently listed for $4,382,000 and was received on September 16, 2025. Want to learn more about 481 W Highland Avenue? Do you have questions about finding other Duplex real estate for sale in Sierra Madre? You can browse all Sierra Madre real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more information.

