Week of May 3, 2010
It seems like the question, Who gets the house? no longer fits into the equation when there's a divorce involved - at least for high-profile couples. Actors Bradley Whitford (The West Wing) and Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle) are no exception. In a 50/50 state like California, a divorce in this Economic Recession often means both parties must part with the house, the fabulous pool, spa, landscaped grounds and all that comes with it.
Curious what the couple's Italian Renaissance Revival looks like and where they raised their three children? Take a look at their San Marino, California, estate.
Kaczmarek and Whitford: Before
Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
The Palatial Estate and Gardens
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
The Whitford / Kaczmarek estate was built in 1924 by Pasadena architect Clarence L. Jay on more than one acre for William Kester, a Chicago advertising executive. The original formal gardens frame the expansive back lawn which leads to a large, secluded guest house, pool, spa and additional gardens beyond. While the interior went through a major renovation in the mid-1990s by noted interior designer Matthew White, the landscaping reportedly remains much as it appeared when the Kesters lived there.
The home is currently listed at $6.7 million.
Not a Maze, But a Parterre
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
A parterre is a formal garden that is symmetrical, with precisely clipped hedges and gravel pathways - nothing is wild or random. The parterre style originated in France and is an offshoot of the formal knot-style gardens. If you choose to assume the long-established design and maintenance of this estate's grounds, you'll be in the company of grand parterre gardens like the Chateau of Versailles and Kensington Palace, only on a slightly smaller scale - between 1-2 acres.
Awesome Awning
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
A blue-and-white -striped awning covers one of many patio / porch areas and entryways to the estate. Whitford and Kaczmarek bought the home in 2004 for $5.9 million.
Pool and Spa
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
It's great to see that the inground swimming pool has been properly equipped with a childproof safety fence. Hopefully, other layers of pool safety have been applied. Note the size of the inground spa, which is the size of a small pool. Nice.
Patio Steps
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
If six bedrooms, six bathrooms, an office, formal dining room and a family room in nearly 6,800 square feet of interior space won't be roomy enough, you can always pop out the door and hang out in a stunning lounge chair on one of the many patios or outdoor living rooms.
Life on the Patio
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
A closer look at a patio, which is straight out of a design magazine. Not sure if the furnishings and succulents come with the estate, but if you can afford the $6.7 million price tag, you can probably step up for a similar look.
California Beauty
Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
Bird of Paradise and boxwood hedges near the guesthouse, not far from the formal parterre gardens.
