1855 Verdugo Knolls

The MacBride House (1924) — A rare 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,552-square-foot Storybook Tudor tucked into the trees of Glendale’s Verdugo Woodlands, revived through a meticulous two-year restoration that brought back its original soul while introducing modern comfort. Soon to be officially recognized under the Mills Act, this home offers not only a connection to Glendale’s architectural heritage but also the rare potential for significant long-term property-tax savings for its next owner. Built by an English craftsman who once worked for early Hollywood film studios, this home feels like it was lifted straight from Disney’s Snow White, with whimsical rooflines, arched doorways, and hand-carved details that radiate storybook magic. Inside, vaulted open-beam ceilings and leaded-glass windows fill the grand living hall with soft light that glows across refinished wood floors. The clinker-brick inglenook fireplace, flanked by original hand-carved benches, stands as the heart of the home and a masterpiece of 1920s design. The kitchen and baths have been restored with an artist’s restraint, new time period inspired wallpaper, reglazed sinks, new distressed vintage flooring in bathrooms and kitchen and new classic fixtures chosen in a way to preserve the home’s authenticity. Behind the beauty, every system has been thoughtfully modernized, including new copper plumbing, updated electrical, dual-zone HVAC, and an EV-ready two-car garage with a finished attic loft perfect for a creative studio or private retreat. The 10,226-square-foot lot unfolds into a private paradise of meandering garden paths, intimate patios, and mountain views that make you feel completely tucked away from the world while still only five minutes from the conveniences of modern life. Even the back staircase carries a homage of Glendale’s story, built from old railroad ties that reflect what once supported the trolley network that brought residents to this hillside haven a century ago. The Glendale Historical Commission has already met and formally recommended the home for Mills Act approval, with final City Council confirmation expected soon, offering the next owner both the pride of preservation and the potential for long-term property tax savings. The MacBride House is more than a home; it is a living story; a fairytale refuge that celebrates craftsmanship, imagination, and the timeless beauty that first made Glendale one of California’s most enchanting communities.