Fashion Designer Richard Tyler Puts South Pasadena Villa Arno on Market for $12.5M

When I first saw the listing, I had to look twice.

Richard Tyler—the legendary Australian fashion designer known for dressing everyone from Julia Roberts to Bill Clinton—just put his California estate on the market for $12.5 million. But this isn’t your typical celebrity home with cold glass walls and minimalist everything.

This is Villa Arno, a 1917 Italian Renaissance Revival tucked into the quiet charm of Pasadena. And it’s got more soul than most $20 million listings in Beverly Hills.

What makes it even more fascinating? Tyler didn’t buy this home in the usual way. Back in 1998, he traded a Hollywood Hills mansion to make this estate his own. Twenty-seven years later, he and his wife Lisa Trafficante are finally parting ways with it—not because they want to, but because, as Tyler once admitted, “I broke my five-year rule for this house.”

There’s something about that kind of story—where emotion, history, and design all mix—that tells you this isn’t just a real estate deal. It’s the closing chapter of a deeply personal love affair with a home.

A Tuscan Estate in California: What Makes Villa Arno Special

I’ve seen a lot of “Italian-style” homes in California—but very few actually feel like Italy.

Villa Arno is different.

You walk past the wrought-iron gates, and suddenly you’re standing in a 1917 Tuscan villa, envisioned by famed architect Reginald Davis Johnson. It’s the kind of place that whispers history through its arches and sunlight-drenched stonework.

As reported by Robb Report, the villa was first designed as a winter home for a New York doctor, before being acquired by the chemist and scholar Arno Behr—whose wife gave it the name “Villa Arno” in his honor.

If you’re someone who values craftsmanship, soul, and real legacy in architecture—not just square footage—then this place will pull you in, hard.

Because it’s not just Italian inspired, it’s Italian reborn—right in Pasadena.

A Look Inside – Layout, Design & Daily Living

Let me walk you through this place like you’re stepping inside with me.

As you enter, you’re greeted by black-and-white tiled marble underfoot—the kind that feels like old Europe the moment your shoes hit it. One step in and you’re already somewhere else.

To your left? A formal living room that’s intentionally quiet in design. To your right? A library that’s eccentric, bold, and totally Tyler. According to Mansion Global, both rooms have fireplaces, maintaining that Old World charm with every flicker.

But what really caught my eye? The contrast. Just beyond the classic details, you hit a kitchen that’s shockingly modern—white cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, a butcher-block island at the center like a sculptural anchor. It’s Tyler’s fashion-forward thinking brought to cabinetry.

Upstairs, the primary suite has its own dressing room, sunroom, walk-through closet and bath. It’s a whole private wing. And the guest house? A self-contained home, complete with kitchen and its own fireplace-lit living space.

You don’t just live here. You experience each room.

Not all celebrity homes command top-dollar instantly—Bill Cosby recently slashed the price of his Manhattan townhouse as market dynamics continue to shift across high-profile listings.

Poolside Like the Riviera – Gardens, Water & Outdoor Living

If I told you this backyard was in Italy, you’d believe me.

The pool setup here isn’t just for swimming—it’s staged like a scene from the Amalfi Coast. There are loungers and cabanas around the swimmer’s pool, and if you squint just a little, you’ll swear you’re on the Riviera.

But that’s just the start.

There’s an outdoor dining area with its own built-in grill and a fireplace so you can keep the pasta warm and the stories warmer. Around the property, hidden pathways lead to a rose garden, where everything smells like memory. And the water features? They don’t scream for attention—they soothe.

If you’re the kind of person who ends your day with a glass of wine and a garden walk, this part of Villa Arno was made for you.

Many design lovers are sharing rare finds like Villa Arno—think rose gardens, heritage facades, and timeless outdoor layouts—on curated WhatsApp channels that spotlight spaces where design and soul meet. Some even swap ideas for Tuscan-style restorations inspired by homes just like this.

A Home with Legacy – Meet the Former Residents of Villa Arno

When a house has had this many interesting owners, it stops being “just a property.” It becomes a character in its own story.

I did some digging, and here’s what I found.

Before Richard Tyler ever laid eyes on it, Villa Arno had already passed through the hands of artists, executives, and creatives. One owner was a 1930s interior designer. Another? The president of the Southern California Gas Company. And then there was Earle Hugens, an artist whose work clearly resonated with the energy of the place.

It started with a New York doctor, remember? He never even finished building it. He sold it to Arno Behr, a chemist whose wife named the home after him. That personal touch? It still lingers.

You’re not just stepping into a home—you’re joining a lineage. And that’s rare in California real estate.

Every owner left their mark—but which feature or story resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear what makes a home unforgettable to you.

Why Richard Tyler Traded the Hollywood Hills for Pasadena?

Here’s the part that got me emotionally.

Richard Tyler once lived in the glitzy chaos of the Hollywood Hills. But in 1998, he made a surprising move—he traded that life for this quiet, Tuscan estate in Pasadena.

And it wasn’t a “let’s try this for a while” thing.

Tyler had a rule. He never stayed in one home more than five years. But when he and his wife Lisa Trafficante moved into Villa Arno, something changed. They stayed for 27 years.

Why? Because they fell in love—with the silence, the space, the scent of roses after it rains.

Tyler even admitted he broke his own rule for this home.

And if you’ve ever stood in a place that made you feel still in a world that’s always moving, you’ll understand exactly why.

California has seen several celebrity listings recently, including Josh Allen’s sleek bachelor pad in Dana Point—offering a stark contrast to Villa Arno’s heritage-heavy charm.

Cultural Recognition – More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

If you’re like me, you care about the story behind a place—not just how it looks.

Villa Arno isn’t just architecturally beautiful. It’s officially recognized for its cultural value. Back in 1977, it was designated a Cultural Heritage Landmark in Pasadena. That means this home isn’t just admired—it’s protected.

And it gets better.

There’s potential for it to be added to both the California Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places. That’s the kind of recognition that doesn’t just elevate the home—it secures its legacy.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning something timeless, this home quite literally is.

If Villa Arno’s old-world elegance speaks to you, you might also appreciate Sophia Amoruso’s mid-century LA home—a striking example of 1950s California minimalism at its finest.

Is $12.5 Million Worth It? Market Positioning & Value Talk

Let’s talk numbers—because if I were buying, I’d want to know.

At $12.5 million, you’re getting around 6,500 square feet of meticulously maintained space on an entire acre of land. And that includes a main residence plus a guest house.

In comparison to similar historic estates in South Pasadena, Villa Arno sits firmly in the premium tier—but for good reason. Most homes in this price range offer luxury, yes, but not heritage. And certainly not a celebrity history, five ensuite bedrooms, or Italian architecture this pure.

Plus, properties with landmark status often appreciate differently—slower, steadier, and with a charm that generic new builds simply can’t replicate.

If you ask me, it’s a price not just for a house—but for a legacy.

Where Fashion Meets Interior Design?

You know how a designer’s personality seeps into their clothes?

Richard Tyler did the same thing with Villa Arno.

He once said the inspiration for the interiors came from the Italian film The Leopard, and once you see the checkered floors, dramatic ceilings, and rich woodwork—you’ll get it.

But what truly surprised me was how well he balanced it.

The villa isn’t stuck in the past. The kitchen, for example, is bold, modern, and decidedly forward-thinking. It reflects Tyler’s runway instincts—always classic, never stale.

You can even borrow ideas from here for your own space:

• Use arches and layered textures to add depth.
• Blend warm tones with a sleek modern kitchen.
• Create small “garden rooms” like Villa Arno’s rose pavilion for privacy and calm.

I walked away with more than just admiration—I left with ideas.

Final Thoughts

I’ve walked you through the architecture, the legacy, the design, the gardens, and the price.

But here’s what I truly believe: Villa Arno isn’t just a house—it’s a love letter to another time. From the New York doctor who first imagined it, to Richard Tyler who turned it into his personal haven, every corner tells you something.

And if you’re someone who wants more than status… who wants warmth, history, creativity, and silence in a noisy world—then this might be your kind of place.

Because sometimes, a home isn’t just where you live. It’s who you become when you’re there.

For more stories of iconic celebrity homes and real estate gems across the U.S., visit our website Build Like New.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or real estate advice. Property details, pricing, and availability are subject to change. For official information, please contact the listing agents or consult local real estate authorities.