Homes with architectural pedigree and those that possess a unique design that harks back to an earlier time are generating buzz in Los Angeles and beyond. While the trend for contemporary remains strong, some buyers are seeking that architectural character—a home that truly stands apart from the rest. The recent Mansion Global article, Los Angeles’s Historic Homes: A Tried-and-True Investment Even in a Time of Uncertainty, covered the groundswell of interest in notable residential architecture.
“If you find something that is irreplaceable, which might mean an incredible piece of property or something with extraordinary architecture or provenance, those are things that always hold their value,” Billy Rose, founder and president at The Agency, tells Mansion Global. “Great architecture is functional art. It’s one of a kind,” he adds. Below, we showcase some historic homes currently on the market from L.A. to Palm Springs.
THE BEVERLY HOUSE | BEVERLY HILLS
One of the country’s most notable trophy properties, The Beverly House is the former estate of newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst and actress, Marion Davies. Built in 1927, the estate was designed by Gordon Kaufmann, the architect behind the Hoover Dam and some of the most important estates in the area. Represented by Mauricio Umansky and Santiago Arana, the estate is famed for its H-form architecture, characterized by long colonnades, wide balconies and arched, floor-to-ceiling windows. A substantial addition was made in the 1990s, expanding the size of The Beverly House, which has 18 bedrooms, a near Olympic-sized swimming pool, lighted tennis court, two projection/screening rooms, terraces to accommodate 400 or more for a seated dinner, and grounds to accommodate more than 1,000 people. The home has been featured in movies The Godfather and The Bodyguard and served as both a destination on Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy’s honeymoon and the West Coast Presidential Election Headquarters for JFK.
3 Cody Court is one of eight historically designated homes on the Tamarisk golf course designed by William F. Cody, AIA. Cody was among the most influential desert modern architects working in the Coachella Valley at the peak of the desert modernist movement. He was a master at simplicity of form, using natural light and extensive glass to display a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Represented by Ruben Valerio and Jeff Kohl, the home’s bright and airy, open-plan interiors showcase floor-to-ceiling windows, exquisite design details and carefully updated features, including the chef’s kitchen with premier appliances.
2110 WESTRIDGE ROAD | BRENTWOOD
This midcentury modern gem is situated in the leafy hills above Mandeville Canyon, capturing panoramic city, ocean and Getty Museum views. Represented by Jon Grauman, the six-bedroom home was originally built in 1959, featuring 18-foot ceilings and large walls of glass that bathe interiors in natural light. Set on a knoll behind private gates, the 4,311-square-foot residence opens through sliding doors to the private and serene backyard, with a saltwater pool and fire pit lounge. Original design details have been preserved, including the beamed ceilings and midcentury-inspired design flourishes.
7935 OCEANUS DRIVE | LOS ANGELES
Situated in L.A.’s coveted Mount Olympus neighborhood, this Spanish estate was designed by Jorge Dalinger, the mastermind behind Dalinger Designs. Heavily influenced by the Moorish architecture of his native Spain, Dalinger’s signature aesthetics are present throughout the three-bedroom home, including hand-hewn, wood-beamed ceilings, forged wrought-iron details, dramatic custom lighting fixtures, wide-plank European oak floors and a roof constructed from 400-year-old imported Spanish tile. Represented by Farrah Brittany and Mauricio Umansky, the home also boasts a spectacular chef’s kitchen, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, sweeping city and canyon views, expansive grassy yard, swimming pool and alfresco dining area.
732 BROOKS AVENUE | VENICE BEACH
Affectionately known as The California Poppy House, this three-bedroom home was designed by an architect couple to epitomize Venice Beach living. The floor plan allows for easy movement throughout the house as well as cool ocean breezes, visual connections and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Modern details include voluminous, glass spaces, exterior design flourishes, bright pops of color and an open gourmet kitchen. Represented by Lindsay Guttman and Alexandria Brunkhorst, the home also boasts two well-manicured, private yards with exotic fruit trees.
