MODERN LIVING LA | FEATURED POSTS

Hollywood Hills The Arensberg Estate, William Lee Woollett

HOLLYWOOD HILLS HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL HOME -THE ARENSBERG ESTATE BY WILLIAM LEE WOOLLETT

The Arensberg Estate, William Lee Woollett with later contributions by Richard Neutra, Gregory Ain, Henry Palmer Sabin and John Lautner (The only project on record where all these architectural giants have collaborated).
Avant-garde art patrons Walter and Louise Arensberg purchased the estate in 1927, transforming it into a modern art museum. Los Angeles Magazine acknowledges that this home represented the first modern art museum in L.A., decades before LACMA and MOCA. The Arensbergs hosted artist exchanges and exhibited prized works by Marcel Duchamp, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian to name a few. The estate and its art history is the subject of a Getty published book in 2020, “Hollywood Arensberg”.

BRENTWOOD THE VOLK HOUSE A. QUINCY JONES & WHITNEY R. SMITH

The Volk House, a stunning 1950 mid-century masterpiece by A. Quincy Jones & Whitney R. Smith, is located in the coveted Crestwood Hills of Brentwood. Restored in 2006 by architect Cory Buckner, the home carefully replicates every detail from the original blueprints, including post-and-beam construction, tongue & groove ceilings, clerestory windows, and solar panels. A designated Historic-Cultural Monument #722, this architectural gem offers panoramic views of Santa Monica Bay, combining modern luxury with timeless historical significance.

SHERMAN OAKS BUFF & HENSMAN FAIA “EVERTS HOUSE”

Timeless architecture meets modern design. The Buff and Hensman FAIA “Everts House” has undergone a respectful renovation by owners who wanted to acknowledge the original architectural integrity while upgrading amenities and features for proper use today. This stunning home features an outdoor living area just on the other side of the double door entry way off Contour.

CARMEL BY THE SEA MARK MILLS ARCHITECTURAL GEM

If your budget allows for a nice pied a terre in Carmel, you may want to consider this 1951 stunning A-frame architectural by Mark Mills. The split frame on the roof is pretty spectacular. Gorgeous woods and stone through the home make this a truly special one.

HOLLYWOOD LLOYD WRIGHT JOHN L. MACE HOUSE

While we can’t be sure if the original owner commissioned this Lloyd Wright architectural as a weekend getaway, we’re thinking at 1,400 square feet, this little gem would make a great pied a terre. It’s got views, a pool and enough space to hold an intimate gathering with a lucky few friends.

PASADENA LYMAN ENNIS POST-AND-BEAM MASTERPIECE

This architectural charmer is back on the market with a nice price adjustment. It’s been modernized from its original mid century finishes. The living room has stunning panoramic views of the lush surroundings. This little nook of Pasadena has some interesting modern homes. It’s worth a look.

PASADENA THOMAS AND BARBARA WIRICK HOUSE BY CALVIN STRAUB

Poppy Peak in Pasadena is one neighborhood in the greater Los Angeles region that holds its own when it comes to architecture. The Thomas and Barbara Wirick House by Calvin Straub circa 1958 is a prime example of this excellence. This post and beam home was finished just as Calvin would be joining the firm of Buff and Hensman that year to combine talents. Buff, Straub, and Hensman would be architecture’s version of a super group. And, the hits kept coming.

BEVERLYWOOD CLASSIC MODERN CALIFORNIA LIVING

Welcome to a 1940s classic L.A. traditional home updated with a thoughtful, thorough, modern turn-key renovation. The drought tolerant landscaping, curated and crafted over several years, provides plenty of privacy from the street.

PALM SPRINGS MID CENTURY MODERN DREAM HOME

Ok, so maybe we’re suckers for a zigzag roofline. Though the original design is from 1962 by Donald Wexler and Ric Harrison for the Alexander Construction Company, today, it looks as though it has jumped straight out of the pages of the original home brochure. Talk about a time capsule!