Pasadena

Though he already owns a 25-acre ranch in his home state of Texas, John Marcus “Scoot” McNairy has now settled into another residence in the South Pasadena city of Los Angeles. Records reveal the ever-busy TV and film actor—probably best known for his roles in Argo, 12 Years a Slave, Gone Girl, True Detective, Godless and Narcos—acquired the whimsical French chateau-inspired home back in June 2023 from husband-and-wife real estate team George Sokolow and Matty Hurtado-Sokolow, paying just over $3.2 million.

Reportedly built way back in the mid-1920s for Dr. Elwood Webb at a cost of around $20,000—and previously occupied by L.A.-based fashion designer Cesar De La Parra, who sold the place to the Sokolows for $1.9 million in 2006—the updated home features five bedrooms and six baths filtered across nearly 5,800 square feet of multi-level living space adorned with white oak hardwood floors, coved ceilings, built-ins, ornate millwork and eight fireplaces.

Resting on a gated and ivy-covered parcel of land spanning almost a half-acre, the stately red brick and mansard-roof structure is fronted by a two-car garage topped by a slate-floored guesthouse with its own bedroom, bath, kitchen and pot belly gas stove. There’s also an artist’s studio equipped with a bath.

An arched entryway leads into a soaring atrium-like foyer topped by a glass ceiling and displaying a wrought iron-railed staircase and statued water fountain. From there, a fireside living room has picture windows and a private balcony overlooking sweeping views of the Colorado Street Bridge and San Gabriel Mountains. Other highlights include a study embellished with vintage built-ins, formal dining room boasting parquet floors and French doors spilling out to a Juliette balcony, and remodeled yet old-world kitchen outfitted with custom cabinetry, marble countertops, a center island, high-end appliances and access to a wood deck ideal for al fresco dining alongside a waterfall.

Upstairs is an office/sitting room, along with two en-suite bedrooms separated by a sky-lit mezzanine balcony; and all the way down on the lower level is an entertainment space that comes complete with a restored ballroom sporting eight sets of original French doors leading out to a large balcony, plus a family room, wet bar and cedar-lined wine cellar. Rounding it all out: lushly landscaped grounds hosting meandering pathways and an additional waterfall that empties into into a spa.

In addition to his newly acquired South Pasadena getaway, McNairy—who has appeared in ads for TX Whiskey and also works as a producer—has long maintained a primary residence in Brenham, Texas, about 100 miles east of Austin, which he picked up back in 2010 after he relocated from Los Angeles. More

When you run across a place that’s billed as “the largest single-family residence in Pasadena,” and has the added cache of having been altogether fashioned by not just one but at least three noted architects, you have an inkling that it’s going to showcase some fairly creative living space paired with one-of-a-kind details. And this sprawling structure resting just steps from the ultra-posh Langham Huntington hotel is not one to disappoint.

To boot, almost three years after the so-called “Knoll House” first hit the market with an ambitious $48 million price tag, the trophy estate best known as the longtime home of the famed pastor and televangelist Gene Scott also has popped up for sale again, this time with updated listing photos, a new top listing agent and substantially reduced $36.5 million ask.

A soaring atrium in the entertainment center is an ideal spot to showcase art.

Paul Barnaby

Originally built by Peter Hall in the early 1900s for heiress, art collector and philanthropist Virginia Steele Scott in collaboration with esteemed architect Myron Hunt, the dwelling was later expanded by equally prominent architect Gordon Kaufmann. It was purchased in the mid-’80s by Scott; upon his death from prostate cancer in 2005, his third wife pastor Melissa Scott inherited the lot. After sitting vacant for some years, the whole kit and caboodle was sold in 2011 for $7.2 million to philanthropist John Vidalakis, who spent seven years renovating and restoring the premises.

Tucked away behind walls and gates, amid a secluded cul-de-sac, the property includes a 12,300-square-foot main house and separate 21,000-square-foot entertainment center spread across nearly 2.5 acres of land—for a total of seven bedrooms and some 21 baths in a little more than 32,600 square feet, all of it boasting glitzy amenities ranging from an authentic Tiki bar and 46-seat movie theater, to an art gallery and a 2,500-bottle wine cellar.

The home’s Tiki bar comes complete with a lounge area.

Paul Barnaby

Inside the primary Colonial Revival residence, a grand foyer adorned with custom black-and-white marble floors flows to multi-level living space highlighted by formal living and dining rooms, along with an English pub, and wood-paneled library sporting a fireplace and wet bar. A family room connects to a gourmet kitchen outfitted with two islands, top-tier Miele and Wolf appliances, a butler’s pantry and an accompanying breakfast room, while a luxe master retreat boasts dual walk-in closets and baths.

Connected to the main house via commercial-grade elevators and a “secret” underground tunnel is the three-story entertainment space, which was designed by architects Ladd & Kelsey in the ’70s, and includes conference rooms, lounges, a catering kitchen, an arcade, card room, gym and guest apartment, as well as the aforementioned movie theater, Tiki bar and art gallery space holding court in a two-story atrium.

The backyard includes a pool and spa nestled alongside a covered pavilion.

Paul Barnaby

Rounding it all out: resort-inspired grounds showcased by a Zen garden designed by Kohei Owatari, pool and spa, bocce court and fire-pit, along with numerous spots perfectly suited to al fresco lounging and entertaining.

The listing is held by Josh Flagg of Douglas Elliman.

Click here for more photos of the Knoll House.

Paul Barnaby More