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Altadena’s most expensive home is a $4M survivor of the Eaton fire

March 24, 2026

Mature trees and an established landscape fill the spaces around and between the home. (Photo by Susan Pickering)

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Mature trees and an established landscape fill the spaces around and between the home. (Photo by Susan Pickering)

A gated, Mediterranean-style home on more than a three-quarter-acre lot in Altadena’s foothills is on the market for $3.995 million, making it the town’s priciest listing.

But the asking price isn’t the only detail that would make a virtual real estate voyeur pause their scroll.

Just days after an estate sale at the start of January 2025, the house stood in the path of the Eaton fire, which Cal Fire data shows scorched 14,021 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures and claimed 19 lives. While the fire reduced thousands of homes to ash, this residence survived. As the flames drew near, the longtime owners opened the electrical privacy gate before evacuating.

Records show the couple, who bought the property in May 2010 for $2.76 million, had moved out before the fire in anticipation of selling. According to co-listing agent Lisa Zastrow of Coldwell Banker Realty, that final gesture “allowed the fire department to successfully defend and protect the property.”

Although the devastation reshaped the foothill community, Zastrow says the estate remains “in stunning condition.”

Mature trees and an established landscape fill the spaces around and between the 5,917-square-foot residence. It comprises a main house and a guest house with with a total of six bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

An arched door opens into the two-story foyer of the main house with its sweeping staircase.

Beyond is a wood-paneled library with a fireplace that brings a touch of old-world refinement to this 2009 build. Recurring arches, open wood-beamed and trussed ceilings, travertine floors and custom wrought-iron work enhance the effect.

Indoor-outdoor flow defines the entry level, where multiple sets of wood-framed glass doors in main areas of the house — the living room, dining room and family room — lead to shared patios, verandas, the backyard and even a basketball court tucked into a side yard. Outdoor amenities include a built-in barbecue island.

The gourmet kitchen similarly opens to the grounds. It features a large island with seating, stainless steel appliances and a pot-filler faucet over the cooktop. A breakfast nook sits wrapped in natural light.

A secluded primary retreat with a fireplace and sitting room occupies its own level, offering views. This upper level includes a dedicated secondary wing with its own den for privacy.

Each level has a dedicated laundry room.

The guest house includes a fireplace, a kitchenette and a full bathroom.

Two separate garages with parking for three cars complete the canyon-side estate.

Heather Scherbert of Coldwell Banker Realty shares the listing with Zastrow.

Altadena’s most expensive home is a $4M survivor of the Eaton fire Orange County Register

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Altadena’s most expensive home is a $4M survivor of the Eaton fire

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