Tour the Iconic Gamble House from ‘Back to the Future’ With Jonathan
If you’ve ever seen the iconic film Back to the Future, then you might recognize the home that Jonathan is touring. In the movie, this property was used as the exterior location for Doc Brown’s house, which Marty McFly travels back to. But apart from its significance in movie history, it’s also a crown jewel of Arts and Crafts architecture. And today, Jonathan is taking us on an exclusive tour of the Gamble House, including its secret rooms, thoughtful layout choices, history, architecture, and even some snippets of trivia you might not have known before.
The Gamble House was donated by the Gamble family (yes, those Gambles!) to the city of Pasadena, California in 1966. Since then, it’s become a local, state, and national historic landmark owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by The Gamble House Conservancy. Subtle details are abundant both inside and outside the home. And today, you’ll get to tour it with Jonathan as he takes a step inside to examine the fine characteristics that make up this incredible architectural landmark, perfectly preserved in time. Inside, he unveils the reasons behind the designs, the incredible attention to detail, and the impact of the home at large.
The Gamble House Architecture
The Gamble House is a Craftsman-style home that was built in 1908, designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene for David and Mary Gamble of Proctor & Gamble. (Craftsman is a specific style within the larger Arts and Crafts movement that originated in Britain in the late 19th century.) The Gamble House is internationally recognized as a masterpiece of American Arts and Crafts architecture. From the inlay motifs and metal and glasswork, to the low-pitched gable roof and overhanging eaves, the authentic Craftsman principles of design are rich throughout the home. From the detailed woodwork to the thoughtful layout and design elements, this home is full of exciting surprises.
Gamble House History and Impact Today
The history of the Gamble House lives on today, as the home isn’t just being held in time—from tours and education programs to special events for architecture enthusiasts and children alike, the conservancy has made sure to make Game House part of the public community. And it’s actually being lived in to this day. The Gamble House actually has a program called The Gamble House Conservancy Scholars-in-Residence Fellowship, where two fifth-year architecture students are awarded a fellowship where they can live and care for the home while studying.
Ready to get all the amazing details? Step inside with Jonathan, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for house tours, design tips, and more.
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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