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.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS SUNBOW HOUSE BY VAL POWELSON
2427 SOLAR DRIVE, HOLLYWOOD HILLS | $2,499,000 | 3 BD | 2 BA
At Modern Living LA, we love when an architect’s vision and design stand the test of time. Val Powelson’s Sunbow House in Nichols Canyon is one of those rare examples, an iconic mid-century residence defined by its dramatic folding-plate roofline and sweeping, light-filled spaces.
Val Powelson may not be as widely known as Lautner or Neutra, but his work embodies the same spirit of innovation that defined L.A.’s mid-century movement. The Sunbow House is a rare chance to experience one of his finest contributions to the architectural landscape of Nichols Canyon.?
SOUTH PASADENA THE SIODMAK HOUSE BY JAMES ALLEN WALTER
2050 LA FREMONTIA STREET, SOUTH PASADENA | $3,200,000 | 4 BD | 2 BA
South Pasadena has its share of architectural treasures, and The Siodmak House also known as La Fremontia by James Allen Walter (1967) is one of the finest. Nestled at the top of a private cul-de-sac, this mid-century modern home is a quiet gem, celebrated as one of Walter’s standout works.?
?The home’s inward-facing U-shaped plan creates a serene courtyard at its heart, with walls of glass framing lush greenery from every angle. Post-and-beam construction, vaulted ceilings, and shoji-style sliding doors showcase Walter’s signature attention to detail and his gift for blending architecture with landscape.?
BEL AIR THE DR. RICHARD HENRY HOUSE BY CLIFF MAY
667 LEDO WAY, BEL AIR | $9,000,000 | 4 BD | 7.5 BA
Dreams do come true. Or, at least for one lucky buyer. The Dr Richard Henry House, 1966, by Cliff May is something quite special. Perched on a private 1.3-acre promontory in Lower Bel Air, this gated single-story estate is one of Cliff May’s most discreet and rarely seen masterpieces.?
Preserved in its original condition, it presents a rare opportunity to restore or reimagine an unaltered example of his iconic California ranch style. Walls of glass frame uninterrupted panoramic views from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, with the Getty Museum perfectly in sight.
?HANCOCK PARK RIVES MANSION BY ALFRED ROSENHEIM HISTORIC-CULTURAL MONUMENT #661
1130 WESTCHESTER PLACE, HANCOCK PARK | $3,695,000? | 6 BD | 4.5 BA
A rare architectural landmark in Country Club Park, the Rives Mansion is a grand Beaux-Arts Mediterranean estate designed by renowned architect Alfred Rosenheim, known for shaping early Los Angeles with designs like the Hamburger Building, May Co., and Wilshire Boulevard Temple.?
?Built in 1913 and designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #661, this approx. 7,000 SF residence showcases exquisite period details: a Louis XV-style formal living room, mahogany library, Grueby-tiled solarium, Zuber wallpaper mural, and four marble fireplaces. The half-acre lot also includes a detached 2BD/2BA carriage house, studio, and a 1,200 SF unfinished basement.?
GLENDALE LANDMARK THE DERBY HOUSE, LLOYD WRIGHT, 1926 | MILLS ACT DESIGNATED, NATIONAL LANDMARK
2535 EAST CHEVY CHASE DRIVE, GLENDALE | $2,495,000 | 5 Bed | 2 Baths
A chance to restore one of L.A.’s most iconic pieces of architecture. Set on a unique expanse of land in Glendale’s historic Chevy Chase Canyon, the Derby House offers not just architectural significance, but a deeply atmospheric landscape.
The property unfolds across gently undulating terrain – dotted with quiet clearings and shaded corners. Built in 1926 and recently designated under the Mills Act, the home is among the earliest examples of concrete textile block construction – an architectural system later championed by Wright’s father, Frank Lloyd Wright.
GLASSELL PARK TIMELESS 1950’S GEM IN VERDUGO HILLS
3228 SAGAMORE WAY, GLASSELL PARK | $1,049,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA
Welcome to 3228 Sagamore Way, a charming 1950s traditional residence nestled in the serene Verdugo Hills of Glassell Park. Owned by the same family for 42 years, this property offers comfort, character, and plenty of potential in one of Northeast LA’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence features two inviting living areas anchored by a striking Palos Verdes stone fireplace. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or gathering with friends, there’s ample space to unwind and connect. Original hardwood floors run throughout most of the house, adding warmth and timeless appeal.
