The Best of 2017

This was a great year for exceptional architecture for sale in Los Angeles. I saw everything from a small lot development surpassing architectural expectations, an expanded and restored mid-century by Neutra, to an old world Hollywood estate sited on sprawling grounds, filled with period details and glamour reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era. Here’s a roundup of 2017’s top 10.

1. Habitat 6
I had the pleasure of representing developer, Elan Mordoch, in the sale of Habitat 6. He teamed up with Rios Clementi Hale Studios to build a collection of modernist homes utilizing the small lot ordinance. The results surpassed expectations.

2. Designer Cliff Fong’s Studio
Cliff Fong is a Los Angeles-based interior designer with an A-list clientele that includes Ellen DeGeneres, the co-owner of Galerie Half, and the former owner of the most exquisite pied-à-terre in Los Angeles.

3. Mary and Lee Blair Residence and Studio
Architect Harwell Hamilton Harris worked for Richard Neutra and Rudolf Schindler before branching out on his own in 1933. He designed this home and studio of Disneyland artist, Mary Blair – who was an animator and concept artist for Disneyland’s “It’s a Small World” attraction.

4. Craig Ellwood’s Iconic Smith House
Despite being an unlicensed architect, Craig Ellwood was commissioned to design two Case Study homes and this dwelling built of steel and glass in Brentwood’s Crestwood Hills neighborhood.

5. The Shaarman House by Richard Neutra
Built on a flat ridge top measuring almost an acre, the home offers the ultimate privacy setting and features classic modernist details, including walls of glass, wood floors and ceilings, a stone fireplace, numerous custom built-ins, a large swimming pool, and a separate one bedroom guest house located on the opposite side of the property.

6. Cecil B. DeMille Estate
This is the stuff old Hollywood glamour is made of. Located in Laughlin Park, the former Beaux Arts style mansion, pool house, and studio of famed Hollywood director, Cecil B. DeMille, gives you a glimpse of what it was like to live an opulent life in a bygone era. It is now owned by Angelina Jolie.

7. Home of artist Pauline Annon
The artist lived in one of Silver Lake’s most remarkable homes. Offered for sale needing a substantial amount of work, a developer picked it up and restored the original period details, including a rarely seen brick facade, original steal casement windows, and a beautifully detailed iron balustrade leading to the second floor.

8. The Myra House
This Kinfolk-inspired Spanish residence in the Franklin Hills is the vision of interior designer, Gordana Golubovic. The space seamlessly blends simple and modern details throughout making this home a place where the art of slow living can truly be enjoyed.

10. The Hammerman House by Richard Neutra
Originally built as a single story residence circa 1954 the home was thoughtfully restored and expanded by architect John Bertram. While its rare to ever improve upon the work of the architect considered one of the founding fathers of California Modernism, Bertram does it – brilliantly.

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Own the best view of the Silver Lake Reservoir

Without question you’ll be absolutely blown away by the views at The Pettibone Residence by architect J.G. Kitashima in Silver Lake.

3 bd / 3 ba

$2,295,000

Map

Built in 1977 the original owners, Richard and Gladys Pettibone, lived in this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath post-and-beam for almost 40 years.

This unique ‘70s time capsule is located on a coveted street in the Moreno Highlands (near R.M. Schindler’s Walker Residence) and perfectly blends California Modernism and Japanese influences.

Now on the market for the first time the home offers strong architectural features that include beamed ceilings, ceramic tile floors, sliding glass walls, expansive decks, and jaw-dropping picture-postcard views. There’s also a koi pond, faux pagoda, and a manicured backyard, along with a two-car garage equipped with an elevator. And, it falls within the Ivanhoe Elementary School district.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Lori Ramirez – Coldwell Banker

New price for modernist home once owned by Frank Gehry

Starchitect Frank Gehry is the man behind the iconic Walt Disney concert hall, new towers on Bunker Hill, a master plan for the LA River and this modernist home.

3 bd / 3.5 ba

$4,899,000

Map

Built in1936 Gehry’s St. Ives Residence is located down a long gated drive, on a rare street-to-street lot in the swanky bird streets, just above the Sunset Strip.

A two-year, multi-million dollar renovation, left three sides of the exterior wrapped in a stucco enclosure.

Inside the architecture boasts extraordinary light and scale throughout. Spanning multiple levels the 3,861 square feet offers a full-floor master suite along with 2 other bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with adjacent dining terraces, wall-to-wall picture windows, and enviable downtown-to-ocean views.

There’s also a tempting pool and surrounding terraces that complete this modern retreat.

The current owners are Margaret Maldonado, founder of the Los Angeles based fashion label L’Agence and the the woman who put J.Lo in that unforgettable Versace dress, and her husband Mikko Koskinen. Public records show they purchased the home for $2,395,000 in 2005.

The home most recently hit the market in February, 2016 with an asking price of $6,395,000. After a near-year long stint the asking price is now $4,899,000. (It’s also available for lease.)

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Jonah Wilson – Hilton & Hyland

Rare Kappe-designed midcentury condo is up for grabs asking $600K

It’s rare a unit at the Ray Kappe-designed Fredonia Apartments comes on the market. When one does it’s your chance to own an architectural condo gem like nothing else in Los Angeles.

2 bd / 2 ba

$599,000

Map

Among his awarded and published work said to be “an extension of the early Southern California master architects: Wright, Schindler, Neutra, and Harwell Hamilton Harris,” Kappe built this 12-unit complex in 1963.

Known for his innovative designs, Kappe purposely departs from the flat, exterior, facades typical in most condo buildings. Instead, each home flows in a unique curved pattern giving the building a striking street presence.

While the interior finishes may look more late 90s/early 2000s than mid-century modern, core architectural details like the tall ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, and an abundance of natural light are left intact.

And a strong indoor-outdoor connection happens in front, with a spacious, covered, balcony nestled amongst the trees, offering spectacular city views. And, in back, there’s a private patio opening onto a sparkling, kidney-shaped, pool.

This well-maintained building also has the added bonus of being centrally located south of the Boulevard in the Cahuenga Pass, close to major Hollywood attractions, Studio City, Universal City, and a short bicycle ride to the Hollywood Bowl.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of William Baker & Brian Linder – Deasy Penner

Personal residence of Paul Revere Williams hits the market in Lafayette Square asking $2.4M

There is Only One Paul R Williams is the name of photographer Janna Ireland’s new exhibit reflecting on the architect’s work. And, after you see the home he built for himself you’ll understand why he’s in a league of his own.

4 bd / 5 ba

$2,395,000

Map

Curbside, the two-story residence sits on an oversized, 11,923 lot, in historic semi-gated, Lafayette Square. Clean lines and curves merge with a second story terrace sharply cantilevering over the gentle round of the lanai below.

Built for his family and to accommodate his love for entertaining, and a desire for green space, the interplay between his dramatic, character filled, interiors and modernist roots make for a unique living space.

Inside, he leans heavily toward his signature, Hollywood Regency style: oval spaces, reverse curves, and a playful Deco-esque banister are prominent features.

A nod to the modernist ethos of indoor/outdoor living is presented with the lanai and living room opening up to the patio and gardens, and inviting guests in toward the specially designed curved sofas.

The formalities of his design are seen in an intimate living room featuring a green marble hearth and soffit ceiling. The well-proportioned formal dining room centers on a splendid Regency buffet built into and extending from floor-to-ceiling windows on the north wall. Adjacent is an original classic St. Charles kitchen with a breakfast area.

His architectural artistry continues upstairs with a roomy dressing room located in the master bedroom. The two additional bedrooms are ensuite with direct access to the nearly wrap-around roof terrance.

There’s also a separate two-room guest house.

Like other residences and public structures Williams built in Los Angeles, this one is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

(Oh, and don’t miss Ireland’s show.)

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Mike Deasy & George Penner – Deasy Penner

Personal residence of Paul Revere Williams hits the market in Lafayette Square asking $2.4M

4 bd / 5 ba

$2,395,000

Map

There is Only One Paul R Williams is the name of photographer Janna Ireland’s new exhibit reflecting on the architect’s work. After you see the home he built for himself you’ll understand why he’s in a league of his own.

Curbside, the two-story residence sits on an oversized, 11,923 lot, in the historic semi-gated, Lafayette Square. Curves and clean lines merge with a second story terrace sharply cantilevering over the gentle round of the lanai below.

Built for his family and to accommodate his love for entertaining, and a desire for green space, the interplay between his dramatic, character filled, interiors and modernist roots make for a unique living space.

Inside, he leans heavily toward his signature, Hollywood Regency style: oval spaces, reverse curves, and the playful Deco-esque banister are prominent features.

A nod to the modernist ethos of indoor/outdoor living is presented with the lanai and living room opening up to the patio and gardens, and inviting guests in toward the specially designed curved sofas.

The formalities of his design are seen in an intimate living room featuring a green marble hearth and soffit ceiling. The well-proportioned formal dining room centers on a splendid Regency buffet built into and extending from floor-to-ceiling windows on the north wall. Adjacent is an original classic St. Charles kitchen with a breakfast area.

Upstairs his architectural artistry continues with a roomy dressing room located in the master bedroom. The two additional bedrooms are ensuite with direct access to the nearly wrap-around roof terrance.

There’s also a separate two-room guest house.

Like other residences and public structures Williams built in Los Angeles, this one is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

(Oh, and don’t miss Ireland’s show.)

Los Feliz’s newest small lot homes offer killer views, prices start at $1.049M

Ciel is Los Feliz’s newest small lot development. Offering views of the Griffith Park Observatory, iconic palm trees, and colorful sunsets from you own, private, rooftop deck I’m betting they’ll be a success.

3 bd / 3 ba

starting at $1,049,000

Map

There are four, structurally independent, homes on the lot uniquely arranged as book-ends to provide privacy and allow an abundant of natural light to flow into the interior.

Measuring 1,700 – 1,860 square feet, each home offers 3 bedrooms plus a den and 3 bathrooms. They span 4-stories with the first floor consisting of a 2 car garage that has direct access to the interior.

While not as architecturally driven as this small lot project, the homes offer some quality features. The interior is anchored by European Oak plank engineered wood flooring. The second floor is where you’ll frequent the open floor plan made up of a living, dining, and kitchen combo. Highlights of the kitchen include frameless laminate cabinetry with adjustable shelves, concealed hinges, soft closing drawers and doors, and brushed nickel cabinet pulls. And, the Pental Quartz slab breakfast bar featuring a Limestone brickwork pattern backsplash is the perfect place to relax and sip your morning latte.

A bedroom and bathroom are also located on the second level, tucked behind the kitchen.

Upstairs you’ll find the other two bedrooms along with the remaining bathrooms. All the bathrooms are decorated with designer tile.

Right above this is the rooftop deck capturing a landmark view. Equipped with a gas stub for barbecue, water, and electric you can entertain with ease.

What might overshadow this small lot’s features is its prime location – equally close to Los Feliz Village and Sunset Junction. This means you’ve got your pick of two movie theaters, two farmer’s markets, and an endless list of bars, boutiques, and coffee shops all within a walkable distance from home.

Pricing starts at $1,049,000.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Tracy Do – Compass

Nightclub owner Jason Lev seeks a buyer for his modern home in Beverly Hills

If you’re gonna ask Santa for anything this holiday season make it this modern residence in Beverly Hills designed by SPACE International.

5 bd / 5 ba

$6,745,000

Map

Jason Lev, club owner of nightlife destination spots, Tenants of the Trees (where Silver Lake’s neighborhood gay bar, MJ’s, use to be) and Girl at the White Horse in Hollywood, hired SPACE International in collaboration with Ground Up Los Angeles to renovate and expand his one-story home.

Curbside, the dramatic exterior is clad in natural and dark colored concrete, wood accents, and rows of clerestory windows.

Taking a cue from the mid-century modern era, the design firm improved upon the main house’s utilitarian floor plan and introduced a clerestory roof that frames the expansive views of the canyon beyond.

Luxe, natural, materials include white oak floors, Machiche wood, dark hematite, soft grey honed basaltina stone, an eye-catching black stone fireplace in the living room, and sliding walls of glass that open to the outdoors.

A newly built guest house cantilevers over the hillside appearing to float amidst the canyon while an extended wood terrace surrounds an inviting infinity-edge swimming pool to create a courtyard effect.

Both structures open to half an acre of professional landscaping by Kathleen Ferguson Landscapes filled with lush lawns, mature trees, and decking.

This home hit the market in September 2016 asking $7,395,000. The asking price is now $6,745,000.

(Psst … don’t forget to let Santa know he can park Rudolph and the others in the garage while he enjoys the pool.)

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Brian Courville & JB Fung – John Aaroe Group

Heyday’s small lot home in Silver Lake returns seeking $1.149K

The bro duo, Kevin and Hardy Wronske, of Heyday specialize in building architecturally delightful homes under the small lot ordinance all over the city of Los Angeles. One of their small lot homes in Silver Lake returns to the market and it’s seriously dope.

3 bd / 1.5 ba

$1,149,000

Map

The small lot ordinance allows for existing single family lots with certain zoning to be subdivided into smaller parcels. Auburn is Heyday’s first small lot project in Silver Lake. It’s a collection of six LEED Platinum Certified Homes built in 2015.

The homes are located across the street from Ivanhoe Elementary School and near popular spots like Edendale Grill, Little Pine, Wolfdown, and Blair’s. Raven Yoga, Broome Street Coffee, and the Silver Lake Reservoir are also nearby.

Yet, even though you’re in the mix of a lively urban setting, Auburn is tucked on a smaller side street affording a sense of peace and calm.

A curbside view shows off the custom Honduran encaustic tile inlaid around the windows. Inside, the 1,733 square feet of living space spans three levels and includes three bedrooms and two-and-a half baths.

You enter on the first floor that also offers direct garage access. The second floor contains an open living, dining, and kitchen space with features that include a dramatic one of a kind skylight design, hardwood flooring throughout, custom millwork, and tons of built-ins.

All the bedrooms are located on the third floor with the master suite oriented towards the views. And, when you make your way to the rooftop patio you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Griffith Observatory and the Silver Lake hills.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Chris Furstenberg – Hilton & Hyland