Altadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cobb Estate
A Quiet Refuge Forever
— Cobb Estate or Las Flores Ranch —
Cobb Estate sits at the mouth of the Las Flores Canyon and across from Echo Mountain, the historic site of the Incline Railway which traveled to the "White City" at the summit first stop along the Mt. Lowe Scenic Railway.
Charles and Carrie Cobb bought this 107-acre parcel in 1915 for a summer retreat. Building a gracious residence, with sweeping views to the sea, they moved in permanently after-selle millionaire Cobb retired from the International Timber Company in Seattle, Washington.
Bought by the Marx Brothers in 1956, it was in 1971 through the efforts of John Muir High School students and the generous help of Mrs. Virginia Steele Scott that Cobb Estate became public. At a public auction the people of this area won the bid when the other bidder said in a loud voice, filled with emotion, "I am with the people, I will bid no more!" On December 13, 1971, Mrs. Scott gifted the lands to the Forest Service.
The Forest Service accepted the gift of the Cobb Estate with the guarantee that nothing would be done to these lands except that which would preserve the area's native state.
The parcel shall not be improved for picnic, camping, or athletic purposes other than horseback riding, hiking, walking, and wildlife and nature observation. Visitors will always be able to enjoy this wild spot close to town and will always be able to access trails into the mountains adjacent to Cobb Estate.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is December 13, 1971.
Location. 34° 12.24′ N, 118° 7.823′ W. Marker is in Altadena, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Loma Alta Drive, on the right when traveling north on Lake Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3302 Lake Ave, Altadena CA 91001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mount Lowe Scenic Railway (here, next to this marker); Farnsworth Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Holmes House (approx. 0.3 miles away); MacPherson Parkway (approx. half a mile away); Mount Lowe Railway (approx. ¾ mile away); Andrew McNally House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Zane Grey Estate (approx. 1.1 miles away); Christmas Tree Lane (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altadena.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 63 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.