Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta is a Mission Revival residence in Altadena with approximately 7000 square feet of interior space, featuring high ceilings, oversized windows, and ornamental details throughout. The layout and decorative elements showcase Spanish-Californian architectural traditions of the early 20th century.

Architect Myron Hunt designed this house in 1917 for Francis Raymond Welles, drawing inspiration from the family's French estate. The design blended that European influence with California architectural traditions of the period.

The residence reflects Altadena's emergence as an affluent neighborhood, embodying the aspirations of early 20th century residents to recreate European sophistication in Southern California. Visitors can see how the architecture communicates the owner's status and international connections through its design choices.

The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and undergoes regular maintenance to protect its structure. Visitors should check ahead to see if tours are available, as private historic houses do not always offer public access.

This residence was among the first properties in Altadena to include electrical wiring in its original construction plans from the start. This technological feature reflects how wealthy households adopted modern conveniences earlier than typical homes of that era.