<P> Outdoor space was as important as the interior spaces . Exterior porches are found off three of the second - floor bedrooms and were used for sleeping or entertaining . The main terrace is privately beyond the rear facade of the residence . It has patterned brick paving with planting areas, a large curvilinear pond, and garden walls made with distinctive clinker bricks and boulders . Paths made with large water - worn stones from the nearby Arroyo Seco are reminiscent of running brooks crossing the lawns . The overall landscape design and constructed garden elements are integrated with the architectural proportion and detailing . The triple front door and transom feature a Japanese black pine motif in plated (more than one layer) leaded art glass, highlighting the Asian influence that runs throughout the house . </P> <P> David and Mary Gamble lived in the house during the winter months until their deaths in 1923 and 1929, respectively . Mary's younger sister Julia lived in the house until her death in 1943 . Cecil Huggins Gamble and his wife Louise Gibbs Gamble lived in the house beginning in 1946 and briefly considered selling it until prospective buyers spoke of painting the interior teak and mahogany woodwork white . In 1966, the Gamble family turned the house over to the city of Pasadena in a joint agreement with the University of Southern California School of Architecture . The Gamble House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977 . Today, two 5th year USC architecture students live in the house full - time; the selected students change annually . </P> <P> The house is portrayed as the home of Dr. Emmett Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy, described as the "Brown Mansion" in a newspaper headline dated August 1, 1962, seen in the first film . </P> <P> The house was included in a list of all - time top 10 houses in Los Angeles in a Los Angeles Times survey of experts in December 2008 . </P>

Where is the back to the future house