Stepping into History at Castle Green

My first encounter with Castle Green was like something straight out of a movie. We were still living in Northern California at the time, poised on the threshold of trying to decide if we were really ready to take the big plunge and become full-fledged Angelenos.

That my husband and I were both born on astrological cusps wasn’t making the decision any easier – our adventurous sides revving at the light and impatiently waiting for it to turn green while the more stubborn aspects of our respective signs were continuing to cling to whatever vestige of the past would enable us to exert power over an uncertain future and simply stay put in Sacramento.

We had come to Pasadena that particular weekend to scope out the remaining addresses my friend Kathie Yoneda had been judiciously emailing me to assist in our search for a new home in the southland. Rather than drive around after an outdoor brunch at Mi Piace, we opted for a walkabout to get acquainted with what our future neighborhood had to offer.

We were so absorbed in our conversation that neither one of us noticed the imposing, seven-story structure until we turned a corner. A gasp of awe fell from our mouths simultaneously. What was this place?! Nestled behind a tall iron fence that encircled almost the entire block, the sprawling building - replete with archways, domes and graceful verandahs overlooking a lush green landscape - was an artful marriage of Moorish, Victorian and Spanish architecture.

Our initial impression was that it was a hotel we had somehow missed when we were making our reservations via the Internet. That we were already comfortably ensconced at another historic Pasadena landmark – the Ritz Carlton – made no difference; impatient to learn what this unexpected edifice was prompted us to walk all the way around the perimeter in the hopes of finding an entrance that would take us to the front desk to make inquiries.

Not only was every gate locked tight but, save for a single black cat patrolling the ledge of a balcony, there was nary a sign of any life.

My husband mused that maybe the place was haunted by the ghosts of a distant century and, accordingly, had been abandoned.

By the time we relocated two months later, I’d made it my quest to learn the scoop.

Constructed at the end of the 19th century by architect Frederick I. Roehrig and owned by Colonel George C. Green, Castle Green’s original purpose was to provide an elegant West coast retreat for those whose home climates weren’t nearly as hospitable as sunny California in dealing with one’s mental spirits or physical well being during the long winter months. Designed as a bold trio of buildings to lodge society’s well heeled travelers, the complex dramatically spanned either side of Raymond Avenue, connected by an enclosed bridge.

To no small wonder, Castle Green quickly became The Place to be seen in the San Gabriel Valley and to rub elbows with the new century’s glitterati. That both the Tournament of Roses and the Valley Hunt Club saw its merits as a lavish tableau for entertaining guests and members only added to its mystique and grandeur.

The heyday of the resort era, however, began drawing to a close in 1920 after nearly three decades of unapologetic excess. Not only were politics, economics and the First World War impacting the way that wealthy Americans spoiled themselves on vacation but their newly emerging love affair with cars was also influencing their destination options.

Rather than wait for their favorite resort to summarily close up shop, a group of Castle Green’s most loyal visitors decided to take matters into their own hands; they bought it, an arrangement that they felt would enable them to preserve the architectural integrity and to allow future generations to experience the unique style and stateliness of an earlier era.

Private ownership of the individual units continues to this day and attracts a diverse range of tenants who are united by a common fondness for residing in a colorful piece of Pasadena’s history. We also discovered that they’re not shy about sharing their space and answering questions on these twice annual self-guided tours. Even several tenants who hadn’t originally signed up to open their doors were excitedly waving people in and pointing out some of the idiosyncrasies of their Old Meets New decorating challenges.

It’s interesting to note that many of the apartments reflect the merging of two or three contiguous units. In addition to this yielding multiple windows, French doors and balconies, the occupants are also enjoying the novelty of multiple fireplaces. (Yes, even though they don’t get much use in our picture-perfect temperatures, the owners attest to the great fun they have dressing them up during the holidays and hanging multiple Christmas stockings.)

On the lower levels of Castle Green, visitors are able to tour the expansive gardens, ballroom, Victorian sunroom, grand lobby with marble staircase and sitting rooms that retain plenty of turn of the century class and sophistication. Weddings, corporate events and parties make frequent appearance…and with good reason.

Nor is Castle Green a stranger to the film industry. Look closely while you’re there and you may recognize its role(s) in the following films: “Bugsy” (as the Hotel Nacional de Cuba), “The Man With Two Brains” (as an Austrian hotel where Steve Martin and Kathleen Turner honeymooned), “Sneakers” (as a Russian Consular office in San Francisco), “The Time Machine” (as a hospital morgue), “The Man Who Wasn’t There” (as Tony Shaloub’s hotel), “The Marrying Man” (as a restaurant), “The Sting” (where “the sting” took place), and “Legally Blond” (as a beauty salon). Even “The Last Samurai” in 2003 utilized this vintage ambiance as a backdrop.

Castle Green, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Register and the City of Pasadena’s list of Historic Places, has long been under the wing of Pasadena Heritage which was instrumental in raising crucial funds for the building’s exterior restorations. In addition, this remarkable structure enjoys the efforts of Friends of the Castle Green, a non-profit agency which has been aggressive in terms of raising money through special events, tours and direct contributions. At present, the Friends of the Castle Green are hoping to raise $80,000 to create replica roof tiles for the East Veranda overlooking the gardens.

As for accounts that the vintage structure is haunted, it all depends on who you ask. A young artist who calls Castle Green home remembers working late one night and stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. When she came back in, she sensed that not only was her studio significantly cooler but that her brushes were rearranged in a different pattern than she had left them. “Maybe the ghost is an art critic,” she muses.

Another tenant whose occupation requires him to travel frequently relates that he was returning from a trip and felt someone following him down the hall. He turned to see a woman in a white Victorian dress but assumed that it was a neighbor with a passion for period costumes. As he went to put his key in the lock, the vision suddenly vanished. He pauses a moment, then smiles. “Maybe she just wanted to make sure I was safely tucked in for the night.”