Handsome Buff & Hensman in Nichols Canyon seeks $1.385M

This 1957 mid-century modern classic located in Nichols Canyon might be the very first home Buff & Hensman designed.

2 bd / 2 ba

$1,385,000

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The duo met while attending USC’s School of Architecture. LA Conservancy writes they “were already designing hundreds of affordable tract homes for a prominent California builder before starting their own practice, Buff & Hensman (1952-1957).”

Sited on a large and private street-to-street lot in Nichols Canyon the residence stays true to their classic post and beam, wood and glass design aesthetic we’ve seen in the Wong House and Case Study House #20 and #28.

The exterior features cantilevered overhangs that shade the concrete paths and other outdoor areas.

Walls of glass frame the surrounding lush green scenery and sliding glass doors create a seamless flow to the outdoor areas that feature a rectangular shaped pool with a spa.

This Buff & Hensman last exchanged hands in 1998 for $487,000. It’s now listed for $1.385 million.

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

Listing courtesy of Richard Stearns and Carrie Berkman Lewis – Pacific Union International

Craig Ellwood’s Moore House hits the market in Los Feliz seeking $2.695M

Stepping inside the Moore House by Craig Ellwood is like walking through the gates of midcentury modern residential heaven.

3 bd / 2 ba

$2,695,000

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As seen in either of the three homes he designed for the influential Case Study House program, the Smith House or his design for the Art Center College in Pasadena, Ellwood effortlessly managed to create structures that exude an effortless elegance. California Modern: The Architecture of Craig Ellwood describes his works as a fusion of, “… the Germanic rationalism of Mies van der Rohe with an informal breeziness that was all Southern California.”

Formerly owned by Maroon 5’s Mickey Madden, the Moore House (built in 1964-65)  is an elongated rectangular-shaped residence sited on an almost 14,000 square foot lot in Los Feliz.

Inside, the surrounding lush green scenary, private paths, sequestered seating areas and a turtle and koi pond provides a stunning visual backdrop for the floor-to-ceiling glass walls and brings in spectacular city and ocean views.

The center open space contains the public rooms that features an over-sized fireplace centered in the living room. The bedrooms are located at opposite ends of the home; the master suite is located at one end while the other two bedrooms and bath are on the opposite end.

The Moore House last sold in May 2016 for $2.239 million. It’s now listed for $2,695 million.

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

Listing courtesy of Rob Johnson – Rodeo Realty

Lloyd Wright’s stunning Henry Bollman Residence seeks $2.995M

Lloyd Wright’s stunning Henry Bollman Residence located in Hollywood is so spectacular its graced the cover of Architectural Digest – twice.

4 bd / 2 ba

$2,995,000

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While working along side his father, Frank Lloyd Wright, Olmsted and Olmsted, Irving Gill, Rudolph Schindler, Norman Bel Geddes and putting forth his creative efforts in theatre, music, landscape, and architectural design Wright began to form his own personal vision of a new architecture.

For his second commission he utilized an innovative building system of pre-cast concrete blocks to both structurally and decoratively augment standard construction techniques. His father employed this “knit-block” construction system in the Millard, Freeman, Ennis, and Storer residences and Wright used it to create the jaw-dropping  Samuel-Novarro House and the Sowden House.

Unfortunately, over the years its majestical Mayan-esque beauty was left to deteriorate. By the time designer Mimi London saw the Bollman Residence for sale in December 1983, the dwelling was falling apart after many years of neglect. “Walking in, the magic and mystery of the place was still present, but it was like discovering a Mayan ruin.”

Despite its dilapidated state something tugged at London’s creative heart. And so began the process of renovation and interpretation to resurrect the home’s past grandeur.

London’s efforts made the residence more functional for modern lifestyles with a new kitchen and baths, and an expansion of living space into what was the attached garage. The living room and formal dining room open out to a private patio surrounded by a tropical landscape with plantings such as Monstera Deliciosa, Trumpet Vine, and Black Bird of Paradise which Wright himself may well have specified. London’s cheery touch lends lightheartedness throughout the residence which incorporates 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Crowned Cultural Historic Monument #235 the residence last sold in 2014 for $1,900,000. The current asking price is $2,995,000.

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

Listing courtesy of Crosby Doe – Crosby Doe

Remarkable modern residence on a tree-lined street in Los Feliz asks $2.285M

Their story is the kind of stuff romantic movies are made of; a professionally trained German production designer driven by precision falls in love with a care-free bohemian from California driven by art. Their story is also the kind that gives birth to a successful design-build firm. And, what turned their home – once tragically in disrepair – into the most remarkable residence on the block.

4 bd / 3.5 ba

$2,285,000

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They lived on the Westside when their youngest began attending a school in Los Feliz. Their morning and evening commute soon became unbearable. So, when they stumbled on this fixer, located just north of Franklin Ave, they decided to go for it.

“We put buckets down to catch the water coming in from the roof” is how Beth Holden, principal of New Theme, describes the condition of the house when they moved in.

With little worth saving they stripped everything down to the studs leaving only the the original staircase and fireplace (which was eventually relined.)

The remodel is rooted in combining the storied with modern.

Holden describes the exterior as “a homage to modernism. The austere and bold facade stands out among the typical Craftsman and American Colonial Revival bungalows of the neighborhood.”

The inside reveal is quite different.

A warm, rich, interior is evident the minute you open the custom wood stained pivot door and your feet hit the dark concrete floors.

The first floor contains the dining room that looks out to the front porch shaded by a beautiful Jacaranda tree, the living room has a fireplace featuring a black Basalt tile hearth, the media room, a bedroom (currently used as an office), and the kitchen.

Beth’s husband and business partner, Wolfgang Melian, custom made the multi-sliding pocket doors that open the kitchen to the rear yard that’s great for lounging or taking a plunge in the salt water pool. He also created the custom walnut built-ins, cabinets, the killer center island with room for wine and cook books, and built the Corian countertops with custom formed integrated sinks.

Heading up to the second floor a Lambert et Fils chandelier casts a warm light on the stairwell leading to the second floor where the three other bedrooms are located.

After the kitchen, the master bedroom is my favorite room in the house. Their bed looks out onto an expansive deck that Melian says, “it’s amazing to wake up” to the lush green scenary of the surrounding trees. With a dressing area and a luxurious spa-like master bathroom with stone floors, custom built-in shower, plaster walls, and Artemide sconce lighting the room itself is pretty amazing too.

Having enjoyed many years living in Europe the couple were not only attracted to creating an oasis of peace and tranquility to call home – they loved the neighborhood for its walkability. It’s located near Franklin Village that’s filled with markets, restaurants, and many local stores, including a bookstore.

The first public open house is March 10 from 1-4pm.

Asking price is $2,285,000.

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

Listing courtesy of Sonya Coke – Compass