There is a definite appeal to a classic Los Angeles Mid-Century Modern home. Modern Design developed in the 1930s, the predecessor to Mid Century Modern, the design movement that became popular after WWII in 1945. Considered modern design because it values function over form, with its own unique twist. Mid-century modern uses dynamic decorative accents, expansive walls of glass, clean lines, muted curves and wide-open floor plans. Mid-century modern architecture featured flat roofs, angular details, asymmetrical contours, and the first to use bi-level structures, with the intention of making complementary indoor and outdoor living spaces. Adaptable and chic, Mid-century modern style appealed to everyone. The Case Study Program honored architectural designs of some of these landmark homes. With notable architects such as Richard Neutra, Pierre Koenig, J.R. Davidson, Thornton M. Abell, Charles Eames, Craig Ellwood, Rodney Walker, Buff and Hensman, and Raphael Soriano, creating the modernist movement in our city.
BEL AIR CASE STUDY HOUSE DESIGN #16 BY CRAIG ELLWOOD
1811 BEL AIR ROAD, BEL AIR | $5,395,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA
An exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a seminal work of California modernism. This residence—design #16 in the Arts & Architecture Case Study House Program is the only remaining Craig Ellwood-designed Case Study House preserved in its original condition.?
?Thoughtfully positioned near the top of Bel Air Road, the home is a masterclass in modernist design: a glass-walled, pavilion-style structure that appears to float above its natural surroundings, offering panoramic city and ocean views to the south and west.?
HOLLYWOOD HILLS THE JACK LUCAS RESIDENCE AKA ‘PYRAMID BUNGALOW’ BY ERIC BLACK
7400 PYRAMID PLACE, HOLLYWOOD HILLS | $3,297,000 | 2 Bd | 2 BA
It’s not every day we encounter an early example of California Modernism so exquisitely preserved and thoughtfully reimagined. The Jack Lucas Residence (1947), designed by architect Eric Black, is a timeless architectural statement. With floor-to-ceiling glass, corner ribbon windows, rich mahogany walls, and original cork flooring, its enduring appeal is undeniable.
Meticulously restored and enhanced by modernist specialist Tony Unruh, AIA, the home now features a sculptural spa deck reminiscent of a ship’s bow, offering equally striking views. Custom Ipe loungers and flourishing fruit gardens envelop the property in natural elegance. Adjacent to a vineyard and just steps from Runyon Canyon, the residence also boasts an impressive editorial pedigree, having graced the pages of Vogue and served as a backdrop for Louis Vuitton and Prada. A home with mid-century soul and contemporary vitality.?
SANTA MONICA THE STRICK HOUSE OSCAR NIEMEYER
1911 LA MESA DR | SANTA MONICA | $19,995,000 | 5 BD | 6 BA
There’s significant, and then there’s the Strick House. Completed in 1964 by Oscar Niemeyer, his only residential commission in North America, this Modernist estate in Santa Monica’s La Mesa Drive architectural enclave is the very definition of pedigree. Positioned above the Riviera Country Club with 14′ ceilings and walls of glass, this home sits on over half an acre of lush, tropical landscaping. Crown jewel status, confirmed.
The 1964 Strick House stands as a timeless testament to the Modernist movement, nestled in one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious architectural enclaves—Santa Monica’s coveted La Mesa Drive. Renowned for its canopy of mature trees and sweeping views, La Mesa Drive is a location synonymous with distinction, and within it, the Strick House is arguably its crown jewel.
SAN MARINO THOMPSON MOSELEY HOUSE BY BUFF, STRAUB & HENSMAN
1030 CANON DRIVE, SAN MARINO | $5,895,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA
Midcentury authority: Buff, Straub & Hensman, 1959. The Thompson Moseley House in San Marino checks every box—classic post-and-beam structure, clerestory windows, floating rooflines, and walls of glass framing the half-acre lot.
Inside, Space Int’l’s careful modernization brings in updated systems, while honoring original details like custom millwork, period lighting, and built-in seating. Architecture like this doesn’t come around often—and rarely this intact.?
PASADENA BUFF AND HENSMAN – THE CONRAD AND LIBBY BUFF RESIDENCE, FAIA
480 GLEN HOLLY DRIVE, PASADENA | $1,980,000 | 2 BD | 3 BA
When we think of 80’s architecture in Los Angeles, hardly ever do we do so with affection. The Conrad and Libby Buff Residence in Pasadena circa 1988 by, of course, Buff and Hensman is a grand exception. Years after these mid century icons participated in the Case Study Program, they were adapting to the lots and building codes, and, met the challenges head on to create ever more substantial forms.
This is the last home of Conrad Buff and his wife Libby. And from the outset, it makes its presence known upon approach, handsome and bold is this geometric home. The interior has so many of the gorgeous wood built ins we come to expect of this team of architects. Someone soon will have ownership bragging rights. ?
THE FOSTER CARLING RESIDENCE BY JOHN LAUTNER FAIA
7144 HOCKEY TRAIL, LOS ANGELES, CA | $2,995,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA
The Foster Carling Residence, 1947-1950 by John Lautner FAIA.
Perched atop a knoll in the Hollywood Hills with framed views of downtown, across the city and into the valley, this home showcases Lautner at his best.
ENCINO THE STRAWBERRY HOUSE BY BENTON AND PARK, AIA C.1964
17061 STRAWBERRY DRIVE, ENCINO | 4 BD | 4 BA | 3,368 SF
I’d call this a flashback Friday, but this is actually for sale again. We here at Modern Living LA sold this Benton and Park Palm Springs style mid-century modern in Encino a few years back. It takes less than 10 seconds upon entry to understand exactly how cool this architectural house is; looking past the double door entryway to the terrazzo floor past the floor to ceiling walls of glass over the swimming pool into the panoramic view of the San Fernando Valley. You almost don’t even need to see the rest of the house.
Breathtaking Panoramic Views Inside and Out! Welcome to Strawberry House—a striking, architecturally significant Mid-Century Modern masterpiece designed by Benton/Park, Architects AIA, circa 1964. Featured in LOS ANGELES HOUSES (2002, teNeues), it was praised for its “generous open spaces—bathed in light and always connected to the exterior surrounds—laid out with enlightened precision,” creating a serene,
MOUNT WASHINGTON THE WOLFORD HOUSE
4260 SEA VIEW LANE, LOS ANGELES | $2,658,000 | 3 BD | 2 BA
There’s no shortage of great architecture on the Eastside. Historic Cultural Monument #614, The Wolford House in Mount Washington was completed in 1951 by Taliesin Fellow, James De Long, AIA. The home is a gorgeous example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian style architecture. Much of the original finishes remain intact. Thankfully the owners have preserved the legacy of the original design. It’s now for sale if you’re looking for a trophy property.
The Wolford House (1947–1951) – Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 614, designed by James De Long, AIA and Taliesin Fellow. An exceptional embodiment of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian principles, The Wolford House stands as one of Southern California’s purest expressions of this iconic architectural style. Architect James De Long, having trained under Wright at Taliesin, brought those foundational ideals to life in this early Los Angeles masterpiece.
SUNSET STRIP DREAMLIKE MID CENTURY HOME OWNED BY JASON STRATHAM
1549 RISING GLEN RD, LOS ANGELES | $6,995,000 | 4 BD | 3.5 BA
The Hyun Residence, a museum-quality Mid-Century Modern home designed in 1956 by noted architect David Hyun, was updated by Standard Architecture and received the 2020 AIA Los Angeles Residential Design Award.
The original structure was preserved while the interior was reshaped with warm natural finishes. A layered butterfly roof defines the design, with its underside clad in Cedarwood that complements the white and grey palette.
LOS FELIZ CLIFF MAY CALIFORNIA RANCH HOUSE
2337 N VERMONT AVE, LOS ANGELES | $3,785,000 | 5BD | 4 BA
It’s been a moment since we’ve seen a Cliff May house hit the market. Known as the father of the California Ranch House, he was said to have designed over 1,000 custom homes for Southern CA residents. Many of these historic homes have become the epitome of the California life style. Smack dab in one of our favorite neighborhoods, Los Feliz, sits this renovated architectural “v” style layout home. Just in time for Summer.
Step into this remarkable 1951 Cliff May “California Ranch,” where iconic mid-century design is seamlessly blended with modern elegance. Thoughtfully renovated to preserve its architectural legacy while enhancing livability, this single-level retreat offers exceptional privacy and effortless indoor-outdoor flow.
PASADENA WALLACE NEFF, THE ANDREW NEFF HOUSE
1097 S LOS ROBLES AVENUE, PASADENA | $1,850,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA
Wow. What if the Flintstone’s and the Jetson’s homes had a rendezvous? The result may very well be something like this Airform futurist modern residence by Wallace Neff. The Andrew Neff house circa 1946 even comes with your very own bomb shelter. I guess that makes it a true “atomic” age modern home.
Architect Wallace Neff, known for designing grand Period Revival homes for Hollywood elites like Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Groucho Marx, and Judy Garland, took the most pride in his modest Airform, or “bubble,” houses.Inspired in the 1930s by a soap bubble’s resilience, Neff envisioned dome-shaped Airform homes as a low-cost, quick-to-build solution to the global housing crisis. Constructed by inflating a balloon, covering it with chicken wire, and spraying it with gunite, these structures required no wood or nails.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL HOME – THE ARENSBERG ESTATE BY WILLIAM LEE WOOLLETT
7065 HILLSIDE AVE, HOLLYWOOD HILLS | $7,495,000 | 4 BD | 6 BA
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.
BRENTWOOD THE VOLK HOUSE A. QUINCY JONES & WHITNEY R. SMITH
12412 DEERBROOK LANE, BRENTWOOD | $3,195,000 | 3 BD | 2 BA
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”
13547 CONTOUR DRIVE, SHERMAN OAKS | $2,995,000 | 4 BD | 2.5 BA
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. Once inside, the design showcases ample space for seating and recreation.
LOS FELIZ OAKS EXCEPTIONAL SMART HOME
1979 N VAN NESS AVE, LOS ANGELES | $3,445,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA
Introducing 1979 N Van Ness Ave. Just below the foothills of the Los Feliz Oaks neighborhood sits this stunning property. This exceptional smart home has gone through an extensive architecturally significant renovation and remodel.
Hidden behind mature hedges, you’ll discover a perfect mix of classic charm meets modern design. Upon entering, it is quickly evident that this is a one-of-a-kind property.
CARMEL BY THE SEA MARK MILLS ARCHITECTURAL GEM
25987 MISSION STREET, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA | $2,795,000 | 3 BD | 3 BA
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.
Located just a short distance from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Banyan House stands as a remarkable architectural treasure and the first home designed by Mark Mills in Carmel. After serving as an apprentice at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Fellowship from 1944 to 1948, Mills brought Wrightian principles of organic architecture to life in this home.
HOLLYWOOD LLOYD WRIGHT JOHN L. MACE HOUSE
8292 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, HOLLYWOOD | $2,880,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA
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.
Welcome to the John L. Mace House, a stunning Mid-Century Modern masterpiece crafted by renowned architect Lloyd Wright in 1959. Situated just above the iconic Sunset Strip, this architectural treasure boasts breathtaking views and sunlit interiors.
PASADENA LYMAN ENNIS POST-AND-BEAM MASTERPIECE
370 PATRICIAN WAY, PASADENA | $3,995,000 | 3 BD | 2BA
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.
Discover an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in a spectacular, architecturally perfect post-and-beam masterpiece. Designed by the acclaimed architect Lyman Ennis, this gated estate sits majestically above Annandale Golf Club in prestigious Northwest Pasadena, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and the San Gabriel Mountains.
