With the best materials and the best craftsmanship, the City’s historic architecture, peaked between World War I and World War II. Men coming back from war experienced some of the most beautiful homes imaginable in Europe, resulting in an eruption of unique designs in the Los Angeles area. Hancock Park and Windsor Square are some of the well-known neighborhoods for this era of home. Brilliant examples of lively Queen Anne-style houses, Victorian architectural styles, Moorish Revival, American Arts and Crafts-inspired Foursquare, and French Normandy. Homes with handmade features, accentuating clean boxy lines, geometric ornaments and spindles, and quality carpentry.
To be accepted as a historic property, the home needs to be at least 50 years old. There are some exceptions, specific criteria must be met, like being connected to significant or historical events, or considered an expression of a particular historic style.
Los Angeles has seen an upsurge of engagement in favor of preserving the city’s historic residential architecture. Showing a growing demand for the historic charm of these homes, especially when they’ve been carefully updated for modern life. These remarkable homes demonstrate how discriminating buyers prefer neighborhoods and houses exceptional appeal.
THE DOUGLAS BUILDING, HISTORIC CULTURAL MONUMENT #966
JUST SOLD | The Douglas Building, Historic Cultural Monument #966, is located in downtown Los Angeles. It has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century.
The Douglas Building, originally constructed in 1898-1899, served as the original headquarters for the Southern Pacific Railway ticketing office in its early years.
GLENDALE LLOYD WRIGHT THE DERBY HOUSE
2535 E CHEVY CHASE DRIVE, GLENDALE | offered at $2,995,000 | 5 BD | 4 BA
Modern Living LA is happy to extend our congratulations to our buyer on this special and notable architectural home by Lloyd Wright. The Derby House is one of the architect’s most recognized properties. The house has found its perfect steward as it needs a reasonable amount of restoration. It’s now it good hands.
Presenting one of Lloyd Wright’s strongest achievements, the Derby House. Built in 1926, this well-preserved and system upgraded residence showcases his genius of integrating nature and building.
PASADENA HOLLYWOOD REGENCY STYLE BY ELGIN WOOLF
465 S SAN RAFAEL AVE, PASADENA | $5,000,000 | 3 BD | 4 BA
Here’s what dreams are made of. Well, at least our dreams. This stunning example of the Hollywood Regency style by noted architect Elgin Woolf couldn’t be closer to perfection. Elegance and sophistication are the foundation of this home. The European styled garden by Nord Eriksson is exquisite. Perhaps we’ll get invited to a black-tie affair here one day.
Built in 1958, this beautiful Hollywood Regency style estate was designed by noted architect John Elgin Woolf, the architect of Hollywood’s Golden Era, who designed homes for Cary Grant, Judy Garland, Bob Hope and a long list of Hollywood celebrities.
LOS FELIZ HISTORIC DREAM HOUSE
1933 N EDGEMONT STREET, LOS ANGELES | $3,200,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA
On the checklist for the dream house in Los Feliz: a city of garden gnomes – check, multiple peacocks – check, sasquatch – check, a gorgeous French Normandy house with some original features and exquisite updates – check. And the meticulously manicured landscaping is breathtaking.
Built in 1927 and radiating old world opulence, a meticulously renovated French Normandy style home.
MAGICAL HOLLYWOOD HILLS MID CENTURY TRADITIONAL HOME
2019 GRACE AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA | $2,150,000 | 3 BD | 4 BA
Nestled discretely in historic Whitley Heights is this Hollywood Hills Mid Century Traditional home. The house is set behind tall privacy hedges and is virtually hidden from the street.
The expansive main living room is bright, open and inviting. Original casement windows perfectly frame the expansive city views of Los Angeles.
THE ANDALUSIA HISTORIC WEST HOLLYWOOD CONDO
1471 HAVENHURST DRIVE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA | $1,095,000 | 2 BD | 1 BA
The Andalusia Historic West Hollywood condo, unit 8 is a stunning example of Spanish Revival architecture, listed on the National Register of Historic Places the property offers significant property tax savings through the Mills Act. An elegant building, built by Arthur and Nina Zwebell in 1926, it has a celebrated history, once home to Jimi Hendrix, Marlon Brando, Caesar Romero and Jason Schwartzman among others. This upper unit boasts interior spaces flooded with natural light. The living room’s lofted wood beam ceilings and clerestory windows create a light and bright, yet old-world feel.
The enchanting courtyard with fountain, period tile and lush landscaping welcomes owners’ home to this classic West Hollywood complex filled with vintage Hollywood character and charm.
HISTORIC LOS FELIZ SPANISH VILLA
1976 NORTH NORMANDIE AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA | $3,497,000 | 5 BD | 6 BA
Historic Los Feliz Spanish villa, The John Anson Ford Residence, Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 1027. The tile roofed residence is tucked behind vine-covered gates. As you enter the charming adobe courtyard, you are transported to another place and time.
The welcoming living room with double height vaulted ceilings, hand stenciled beams, a stunning arched stained-glass window, focal point fireplace, two pairs of French doors and steel casement windows.
CRESTWOOD HILLS MID CENTURY MODERN LANDMARK, A. QUINCY JONES ARCHITECT
907 HANLEY AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA | $3,200,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA
The Schott House, 1948 by A. Quincy Jones, FAIA. This Los Angeles Historic Landmark was one of the Crestwood Hills Mid Century Modern home built in the area, laying the foundation for hundreds of architectural homes in the area and beyond attempting to achieve the same level of sophistication and design.
The recessed living area provides additional access to the outdoor gardens, featuring walls of glass on one side and original articulated concrete blocks on the other, floor-to-ceiling fireplace serves as a focal point.
EL CABRILLO HISTORIC HOLLYWOOD TOWNHOME
1846 GRACE AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA | $848,000 | 1 BD | 1 BA
El Cabrillo – Historic Hollywood townhome built in 1928. This Spanish-style courtyard complex embodies the spirit of stylish classic southern California living. Designed by self-taught Arthur & Nina Zwebell, the structure was commissioned by Hollywood mogul, Cecil B. Demille. The swoon-worthy townhome has soaring 20ft beamed ceilings, elegant ironwork, French doors, period sconces and an engraved stone fireplace. The unit also comes with Mills Act tax benefits.
The spectacular courtyard centered around an Andalusian-style fountain with arched doorways, colorful tile, multiple balconies, sculptural succulents and lush greenery feels as it were taken straight from a Hollywood movie set.
