R E A L E S TAT E
A HUNDRED YEARS IN THE
Making THIS TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY HOUSE IN SOUTH PASADENA IS A FAMILY TREASURE BY KAMALA KIRK
The Saetas often enjoy outdoor entertaining in their spacious backyard, which includes a swimming pool. 26 | ARROYO | 02.21
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n 1989, David and Leslie Saeta relocated from the Westside to his hometown of South Pasadena. Over the years, the couple moved two more times within the area, and eventually lived five blocks away from David’s parents’ house. As their family grew, the Saetas decided it was time to move into a larger house with a bigger yard. One day, out of the blue, David’s parents called with an unusual proposition. “They suggested that we buy their house,” Leslie says. “In return, they would buy ours. We couldn’t believe it, we thought they were going to live there forever. We loved the idea of keeping the house in the family and raising our three boys in the same home my husband grew up in. Moving day was confusing, though, because all of our boxes had the same last name on them. Since we moved in, we’ve made updates to the home over the years, and it’s been a dream.” David’s parents bought the house in 1969, and he lived there for most of his life. Leslie recalls a funny thing that happened a month after they purchased the home from his parents in 1998. “At the time, David was the mayor of South Pasadena and was returning home late from a city council meeting,” Leslie shares. “I heard him come up the stairs and pause, then he laughed before coming into our bedroom. When I asked him what was so funny, he said that he was about to go into his old room.” The house was built in 1915 as a wedding gift by a family that lived in South Pasadena. Over the years, the Saetas have updated and remodeled the home while maintaining its original character and charm. In 2000, they did a major remodel that included the kitchen, family room, two downstairs baths and the outdoor patio. The farmhouse-inspired kitchen is the heart of the home and features a large island and white cabinets. While many kitchens had dark cupboards with dark granite at the time, Leslie opted for all white to achieve a classic and timeless look. The windows are original, and the cabinets and island were custom made. There are two sinks, and the large farmhouse sink is located on the back wall overlooking the backyard. The honed marble countertops are 2 inches higher than standard to accommodate the couple and their three sons, who are all over 6 feet tall.
Photos by Luis Chavez
Leslie and David Saeta bought his childhood home in South Pasadena from his parents in 1998.
