
Pasadena, California 91106
This Architectural Landmark represents a unique High-Potential Investment Opportunity, listed at $1,950,000—positioned above the $1,661,898 Fair Market Value. While priced at a premium, the property offers immense value through its Architectural Rarity as the sole surviving Wallace Neff Airform "Shell House." Featuring a Mint Condition Rating and a 1,000+ sqft detached studio with ADU potential, this asset provides significant long-term upside via potential Mills Act tax incentives. This historic residence is an ideal acquisition for Architectural Collectors or Owner-Occupants seeking a singular, museum-quality home.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 1097 S Los Robles Avenue Subject | $1,950,000* List Price | 2 | 1 | 1,204 | $1,380 | - |
A 1285 S Euclid Avenue Sold | $1,900,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,538 | $1,235 | 0.2 mi |
B 601 S Hudson Avenue Sold | $1,735,000 | 2 | 2 | 1,437 | $1,207 | 0.7 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is new construction or fully renovated.
Despite being built in 1947, this historic Wallace Neff 'Shell House' has been meticulously restored by the current owners. The property is in mint condition with updated interior surfaces, modern windows, and pristine landscaping, meeting the criteria for a high-end renovation within the last 5 years.
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 8984, living area = 1204.
As the only surviving Wallace Neff Airform 'Bubble House' in the United States, this property is a peerless piece of mid-century modern history, offering immense value to architectural collectors and enthusiasts.
The property includes a 1,000+ sqft detached studio with ADU plans in process, providing significant additional living space or rental income potential that complements the main residence.
Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 1204, other record living area = 1121.
The property was recently sold within the past year on 2025-06-20. The sold price is $1,675,000.00.
With only two bedrooms and a single bathroom in the main 1,204 sqft structure, the primary living space may be considered undersized for buyers expecting traditional luxury accommodations at this price point.
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.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 2.0 | 3.0 | 42% |
| Baths | 1.0 | 2.0 | 23% |
| Square foot | 1,204 | 1,571.5 | 31% |
| Lot Size | 8,984 | 7,806.5 | 58% |
| Price | $1.95M | $1.67M | 62% |
| Price per sq ft | $1.6K | $949 | 92% |
| Built year | 1947 | 1922 | 81% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 18 | 147 | 4% |
May 19, 2026
$1,950,000
Initial Listing
Jun 20, 2025
$1,675,000
Public Record
May 14, 1998
$262,500
Public Record