Tour the McNally Estate: hidden from the public for 100 years | loveproperty.com

The McNally Estate, a historic Californian mansion built in the 1880s for millionaire map-maker Andrew McNally, remained largely unseen by the public for a century. This architectural marvel, featuring a fairytale turret and original 19th-century details, has a rich history from its exotic gardens to an ornate Turkish Room inspired by the 1899 World's Fair. The property was lovingly restored and eventually sold for $3 million (£2.3m), offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Andrew McNally, an Irish immigrant who co-founded cartography publisher Rand McNally & Co., became a millionaire in Chicago before discovering California in his 40s. Drawn to its climate and terrain, he sought to establish himself as a 'gentleman farmer' there. He commissioned architect Frederick Roehrig to build his Altadena mansion, completed in 1888. The original 12-acre estate was designed with elaborate gardens, reflecting the Victorian fascination with exotic plants, a symbol of high status at the time. The house, situated against the San Gabriel mountain range, is characterized by a "simplified Queen Anne-style" with a striking round turret and no-frills wood shingles and clapboard, as seen in photos from around 1900. McNally actively promoted California to his friends, but his life was cut short by pneumonia in 1904 at 68. Following his death, the gardens and aviary fell into disrepair, and much of the grounds were sold off. However, the house itself was well-maintained by subsequent owners, notably the Dupuy family, who preserved its original features for over 50 years, ensuring restorations adhered to the initial designs. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Photographer Susan Pickering documented the interior when the property was listed in 2020. The current mansion spans approximately 7,000 square feet, offering nine bedrooms and five bathrooms, with views extending to Catalina Island. The interior showcases original 19th-century details, including carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and Douglas fir wood paneling, across its seven fireplaces, doorways, and banisters. Modern upgrades to plumbing and lighting were integrated discreetly. The ground floor features spacious public rooms with high ceilings and large windows. The foyer boasts box-beam ceilings of sugar pine, along with original gas lamps, pocket doors, and stained glass windows. A distinctive two-sided, double fireplace divides the living room from a snug family room and library, maintaining an open flow. Delicate floral stenciling adorns the ceilings of these rooms. The front parlor, partially built into the turret, exhibits Victorian details like original woodwork and ribbon detailing on the ceiling; despite past water and earthquake damage, it was restored to its original design. The snug, or smaller sitting room, retains its period charm with enormous sash windows, a delicately painted ceiling, and the reverse side of the double-sided fireplace, complete with original built-in bookcases and a coal basket in the hearth. The octagonal Turkish Room is a notable feature, exhibiting Moorish influences, Middle Eastern wood paneling, luxurious silken fabrics, bold carpets, and low sofas. Arabic phrases are stenciled on the upper walls of this 24-foot-diameter room with a matching canopy height. This room is believed to be inspired by a display at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, with theories suggesting McNally either acquired the original or commissioned a replica. The dining room, adorned with original Douglas fir woodwork and hand-printed friezes, is a grand space, with the fireplace being the only modern addition. Upstairs, the master bedroom is located within the turret, featuring curved walls, a period inlay, and a whitewashed fireplace with a 19th-century fitted bench and original bronze steam radiators. A twin bedroom also maintains period style with a teal carpet, peach drapes, and a striking red-brown tiled fireplace. The exterior’s prominent wraparound porch, designed to maximize views of the San Gabriel valley and provide air circulation, remains much as it was in the Victorian era, as evidenced by old photographs. The charming turret, with its glorious views and small balcony, served as a gentleman's playroom, and is now envisioned as a space for relaxation or wellness activities. While the kitchen is a modern update, it incorporates patterned tiles and bespoke woodwork to align with the period aesthetic. Adjacent to the kitchen are two original butler's pantries, offering a glimpse into the past with high ceilings and glass-fronted cabinets. Although the estate now sits on a smaller 0.79-acre plot, remnants of the original 12-acre grounds, such as the aviary, still exist, testifying to McNally's interest in tropical flora and fauna. The original boundary of the estate and the entrance where carriages once arrived are still discernible, preserving the grand impression the property once made. #McNallyEstate #HistoricMansion #VictorianArchitecture #CaliforniaHistory #FrederickRoehrig #QueenAnneStyle #ArchitecturalRestoration #19thCenturyDesign #TurkishRoom #McNallyEstate #HistoricMansion #VictorianArchitecture #CaliforniaHistory #FrederickRoehrig #QueenAnneStyle #ArchitecturalRestoration #19thCenturyDesign #TurkishRoom