Brentwood Harry Gesner the Stebel House
1963 N MANDEVILLE CANYON ROAD, LOS ANGELES | $3,497,900 | 3 BD | 3 BA
We sadly lost Harry Gesner just last year. Fortunately, there are some stellar examples of his unique modern architecture. His Malibu Sandcastle hit the market earlier this year. Now, we have the Stebel House. This A frame is truly something special. We’re reminded of architecture usually found in houses of worship. 20ft high ceilings in places allow for some stunning vertical views of the natural habitat outside. A gabled roof line meets designed geometry.
The sunken living room is surrounded by an interior rock garden and a triangular fireplace which appears to pierce the ceiling as it rises towards the sky. The primary bedroom boasts 18ft high vaulted ceilings, expansive spaces, and a floor to ceiling built in bookshelf. Gesner was truly a one-of-a-kind architect with original and intriguing designs.
The Stebel House, circa 1961. The late maverick Architect Harry Gesner, a true Southern California icon, created this unique Architectural expression in a by-gone era. Engineering mastery is on display with a beamed and bolted X-frame structure as foundation for a dramatic A-frame rafter design soaring 20ft high downstairs and a striking 18ft upstairs. Towering gables give the appearance of roof and walls as one. Strategically placed triangular windows allow natural light to flood in while highlighting the perfectly framed idyllic canyon and treetop views from every window. Completing his theme is a triangulated bonus room featuring clerestory windows nodding to classic midcentury modern aesthetics and design.
Curvilinear walls are subtly incorporated in the dining room, kitchen and bar. A curved staircase separates the kitchen and bar, leading to the primary bedroom retreat upstairs, where it intrinsically emerges from the floor. In 2012, Gesner stated that he “still considers it to be one of the best houses of his career”. The sunken living room is a crowd pleaser, lending a laid back vibe to the space, while evoking a time when people entertained in style. The epicenter bar/music booth, rock gardens, tower fireplace and breathtaking views from the floor to ceiling window round out this surreal setting. Main level layout includes the great room flanked with one bedroom, a quarter bath and a full bathroom (was a Jack and Jill). Bedroom two on this level is staged as a cozy family/screening room, plus a flex space currently used as an office.
Opposing end is a timeless kitchen with stainless steel appliances that opens to a fabulous period correct dining room. Through sliding glass doors to the backyard there’s a covered dining and bbq area. A world away and a great escape from city life. The awe-inspiring primary suite features an entire floor with a full bath, large dressing/extended wardrobe area, charming office/sitting area and a comfortable perch above the staircase to enjoy reading a book from your own floor to ceiling library. Outdoor balconies with expansive views on both ends to allow proper enjoyment of So-Cal’s year round indoor/outdoor elevated living. Gesner called the larger south-facing balcony “the breakfast deck.”
Electric car charger installed. Cherished by the same family from new until stewardship was graciously passed on to the current owners a few years back. Through their tenure, the expansive lot – just shy of a half acre- has had functional service upgrades as well as being professionally landscaped to further extrapolate usability and a serene, park-like setting (swing included) with multiple vistas. Nature abounds with a variety of native plants and mature trees. There are multiple vantage points to enjoy the serene vistas. The interior and exteriors have had tasteful renovation, upgrades and restoration work to retain as much originality, integrity and character with respect to the original vision. A rare blue-chip investment opportunity in 90049 to live in and enjoy as-is, add to your portfolio as a high-end rental, or take to the next level, creating the trophy home of your dreams. Published: “Houses of The Sundown Sea; The Architectural Vision of Harry Gesner”. Watch Video. Brentwood Harry Gesner the Stebel House.
Listing courtesy of J. Todd Michau, Keller Williams Hollywood Hills
If you would like to know more about this amazing home, contact Brian Courville at 310-622-0312. Or, for additional Mid-Century Modern | Architectural homes, Spanish homes, Historic Los Angeles homes or Classic Los Angeles homes for sale reach us by email at: Brian Courville. If you are considering selling, contact us for a free no-obligation home valuation.
