A HUNDRED YEARS IN THE MAKING

Leslie and David Saeta bought his childhood home in South Pasadena from his parents in 1998.

THIS TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY HOUSE IN SOUTH PASADENA IS A FAMILY TREASURE

BY KAMALA KIRK

In 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.

In 2000, the Saetas did a major remodel that included the addition of an outdoor patio.

“When all our kids are over, we love doing fun things like having family cooking competitions,” Leslie says. “My husband and sons all played Division 1 sports, so we’re naturally kind of competitive. It’s a wonderful space to be in.”

David spends a lot of time in his home office, which is painted cardinal red, inspired by his alma mater, Stanford University. Leslie is frequently in her craft room. Previously, the room had dark paneling and was her office for 20 years. One day, she was inspired to paint everything white.

Leslie loves vintage shopping and frequents the Rose Bowl Flea Market, where she buys items for the house, including her craft room’s tall work table that she sanded and painted.

“For the past 20 years, I was at the Rose Bowl Flea Market every single month,” Leslie says. “I love to collect old dinner plates and other items. I would describe our décor as comfortable vintage. My favorite piece in the entire house is an old general store counter that’s in the living room; it has so much character. It’s pieces like those that I love more than anything.”

For the next big home project, the Saetas added a swimming pool, converted the paddle tennis court to a sand volleyball court, and remodeled their master bedroom, two upstairs baths and the third-floor attic, which was transformed into a spacious guest suite. Because they needed a larger bathroom and walk-in closet, they made the master bedroom smaller when doing the upstairs remodel. The last major remodel added an outdoor kitchen with an island and bar. They also updated the carriage house.

“It’s called the carriage house because back in the day, people would come through on a horse-drawn carriage,” Leslie says. “We love the back of our house; it’s great for entertaining. We love doing family dinners in the backyard and bringing the outdoors in.”

Two years after the home turned 100, Leslie launched “My 100-YearOld Home,” a blog and Instagram account where she posts daily about home remodeling and décor, crafts, recipes and entertaining. Since its inception in 2017, the blog has found success and Leslie has partnered and collaborated with major brands including HomeGoods and Bed Bath & Beyond.

“I’m excited to share something every day that will inspire and motivate others to do something fun and creative at home, especially during these current times,” Leslie shares.

While the Saetas’ home looks like it belongs on the pages of a magazine, it’s also comfortable and welcoming.

“It’s a home, not a house,” Leslie says. “It’s not perfect, but I don’t want it to be perfect. Every piece of furniture is slip covered so that if somebody spills something, it’s not a big deal. It’s very comfortable, and we love it here. We’re hoping that it stays in the family forever.”

For more information, visit my100yearoldhome.com.

An avid cook, Leslie Saeta spends a lot of her time in the farmhouseinspired kitchen with a large island and all white cabinets.

Leslie Saeta has slip covers over most of the furniture, adding to the comfortable, low-maintenance style of their home.