& ARCHITECHTURAL HOMES
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 MID-CENTURY MODERN ZEN SANCTUARY BY JEREMY RENNER
2630 HARLESDEN CT, HOLLYWOOD HILLS | $12,995,000 | 6 BD | 9 BA
When we first saw this property back in 2012 it had been in the same family since it was built back in 1967. The home was designed by architect Richard Stoddard, a graduate of the USC school of architecture, for a Los Angeles Commissioner, philanthropist and developer, Mike Hollander. When it came on the market, there were groovy original features including a central vacuuming system. Just plug in the portable vacuum hose into the wall receptacle in each room. Who’s got time to roll a vacuum from room to room?
The home was a custom Japanese inspired mid century modern home with a koi pond and lily pads. This luxury home was built for a family with means. At the time of the previous listing, Jeremy Renner snatched it up for a cool million over the asking price. In addition to his acting credits, Jeremy was known at the time as a house rehabber. This property, however, was too good to let go and he kept it for himself.
GLENDALE RUDOLPH SCHINDLER’S RODRIGUEZ HOUSE
1845 NIODRARA DR, GLENDALE | $3,095,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA
We’ve seen plenty of Rudolph M Schindler residences that are a bit reserved in their curb appeal. However, the 1941 post and beam Rodriguez House can’t wait to show off its architectural grandeur. The front facing wood trusses jutting out and supporting the roof are integral to the visual design of the house and set the tone for touring the rest of the home.
Just off an idyllic drive in Glendale, the property is blanketed in gorgeous mature landscaping that nestles the home quite well. The current owners appear to have done a nice job in stewarding the house during their tenure here. Original lighting fixtures and built ins are prevalent throughout the house.
SILVER LAKE ARCHITECTURAL HOME BY FRITZ HAEG
1817 LUCILE AVE, SILVER LAKE | $2,000,000 | 2 BD | 3 BA
Ever heard of business in the front and party in the back? Scroll through the pictures of this Silver Lake architectural home by Fritz Haeg and it’ll become quite clear where this saying may have originated.
From the street, this home appears to be an elegant modern home with smooth stucco and gorgeous wood paneling.. Step inside to find a designed color scheme that would make Pantone proud.
HANCOCK PARK WILLIAM PEREIRA ARCHITECTURAL HOME
135 N ROSSMORE AVE, HANCOCK PARK | $5,495,000 | 4 BD | 5 BA
William Pereira Architectural Home is a headline we rarely see. The last single family residence I can remember designed by the luminary was the Chatsworth residence of Dora Hutchinson built in 1951 (later owned by Frank Sinatra). Pereira was a pillar in the commercial world of mid century architecture.
So, to see the home he designed for himself at 135 N Rossmore in Hancock Park to hit the market, we were thrilled. We understand this house is going to need lots of love to either bring it back or move it forward to a restoration it deserves. But it sure has some lines doesn’t it?
SILVER LAKE THE GARDUNO-HEISER HOUSE RAUL F. GARDUNO
1954 LUCILE AVE, SILVER LAKE | $2,350,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA
Lucile Ave is one of our favorite streets for Mid Century architecture in Silver Lake. For a short street, it pacts a wallop. Two of our favorite side by side houses were designed by Raul Garduno in the 1960’s. Up a set of floating stairs is the Garduno-Heiser House. Propped up in the sky by striking red beams, this home appears to float above its surroundings. We’ve often referred to these homes as “the bird houses”.
Last we saw this house it was in serious need of repair. It thankfully transferred into capable hands as it has evidently gone through an extensive and seemingly appropriate renovation. Originally published in the Los Angeles Times Home section and Arts and Architecture back in the 60’s, this home is picture perfect and is ready for its next layout in the pages of a magazine.
LOS FELIZ ENGLISH TUDOR BY WINCHTON L RISLEY FAIA
4059 CROMWELL AVENUE, LOS FELIZ | 3 BD | 3 BA | 2,348 SF | 7,294 lot SF | Built in 1927 | $2,800,000
Winchton L. Risley FAIA – 1927. Nestled among a curated landscaped wonderland lies a very special English Tudor Revival home. Perched above the street behind a gate, the property unfolds into a majestic garden setting meticulously manicured and cared for by its current owner.
Rows of several varieties of rose bushes surround the property (some of which date back 100 years). Lemon, apple, pomegranate, Japanese Maple trees and a picturesque tree swing are but a few of the garden delights that are too numerous to mention here. The home itself is by architect Winchton Risley, who’s many accomplishments include the UCLA school of Law, several buildings at UC San Diego, the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Atlanta and Los Angeles, and several residential homes dotting the landscape of Southern California.
HANCOCK PARK THE BAKER HOUSE BY ELMER GREY
1201 SAINT ANDREWS PLACE, LOS ANGELES | $2,995,000 | 5 BD | 5 BA
Known as Country Club Park, a nod to the golf course previously sited there around the turn of the 20th century, this area was one of the first neighborhoods to feature prominent homes for the wealthy. After the golf course moved to Holmby Hills, those with means were building some of L.A.s most distinguished architectural homes in this neighborhood.
The Baker House by Elmer Grey proudly exemplifies this as St Andrews Place is an exceptionally wide street and the home is sited on a 16,000 square foot corner lot.
LOS ANGELES THE GALKA SCHEYER HOUSE BY RICHARD NEUTRA
1880 BLUE HEIGHTS DRIVE, LOS ANGELES | $3,600,000 | 2 BD | 3 BA
Today we’re showcasing The Galka Scheyer House by Richard Neutra with a 1936 second-story addition by Gregory Ain (who’d actually worked under Neutra on the original structure a few years before). Scheyer was a German American painter and art dealer. She was probably most notable for representing the Bauhausian artists she coined “ the blue four”: Jawlensky, Feininger, Kandinsky and Klee.
After emigrating to the US, Scheyer briefly lived at Rudolph Schindler’s Kings Road house where she met Neutra who she would eventually hire to build this home here on Blue Heights Drive (which she is also
BRENTWOOD KOENIG HOUSE #2 MID-CENTURY MASTERPIECE
12221 DOROTHY STREET, BRENTWOOD | $4,995,000 | 3 BD | 3 BA
An exceptional modernist house built in the 80’s? Why, yes, Koenig House #2 by modernist architect Pierre Koenig is quite the specimen. This home represents one of over forty steel and glass residences built by the architect during his career. Another graduate from the prolific U.S.C. school of architecture, Koenig went on to work with the likes of Raphael Soriano, Edward Fickett, Frank Lloyd Wright.
His designs for a low-cost production house were published in Arts and Architecture, ultimately leading to his participating in the Case Study program, contributing Case Study #21 and #22. He built this house for himself and his wife Gloria. His ongoing belief in using industrial materials and methods to produce low-cost housing continues with this residence. The frame is said to have been erected in one day.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS STUNNING MID-CENTURY MODERN
2823 MONTCALM AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, | $2,995,000 | 3 BD | 3 BA
Private and gated Mid Century Pool Home in the Hollywood Hills. As Hollywood was transitioning from the vintage glamour of the 1930’s and 1940’s, to what would become commonly known as the “mid century” design aesthetic. Ludwig Gluskin (a prominent band leader who worked with Orson Wells and George Burns) would commission architect Harry B Aarens to design a modern home on a special piece of property in the Hollywood Hills.
Sited on a 27,000+ property, this Hollywood Hills Stunning Mid-Century Modern home sits hidden above the street and offers panoramic views from the Hollywood sign to the Griffith Park Observatory and beyond.
SANTA MONICA THE SCHWARTZ HOUSE PIERRE KOENIG
444 SYCAMORE ROAD, SANTA MONICA | $4,550,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA
It’s astounding that the architect responsible for Case Study Houses #21 and #22 in the 50’s and 60’s was still building homes in the 90’s. As as a graduate of the USC School of Architecture, Koenig was exposed to and worked with many of the most notable modernist architects of his day.
The Schwartz house in Santa Monica’s Rustic Canyon would be the last of his designs built during his lifetime.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS CLASSIC MID-CENTURY MODERN RANCH
8559 EDWIN DRIVE, HOLLYWOOD HILLS | $3,350,000 | 3 BD | 4 BA
While we couldn’t find a known modernist architect on public records, this Hollywood Hills Mid Century Modern ranch fits the Cliff May or Edward Fickett mold quite nicely. This home is going to need some love, but, there’s lots to like already.
The rock wall features prominently in common rooms. Oversized floor to ceiling glass in the living room allows for an infusion of light. High ceilings with beams that lead the eye towards vistas of the Valley. What’s not to love about the pink primary bedroom and bathroom. And, of course there’s a nice pool to sit by (or in) for Friday night martinis.
