It’s no secret our agents represent some of the world’s most exceptional luxury homes, but among the sweeping views and lust-worthy living spaces are architecturally significant properties that will take your breath away. From Los Angeles to Phoenix, here’s a look at five standout properties with exceptional architectural prowess.
Designed to blend with the curves of the surrounding desert mountain, this iconic masterpiece is known as the “Norman Lykes Home” after its original owners. It’s the last residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and one of only fourteen circular homes by the master architect. Represented by Roxanne Johnson, Jack Luciano and Raul Siqueiros, the home’s overlapping concentric circles create a floorplan that flows seamlessly from one room to the next, taking in unobstructed, majestic views of Palm Canyon and the city below from every room. Curved walls, clad in golden-hued Philippine mahogany, cover the three bedrooms and hallway, reflecting the natural light of the canyon. Sprawling entertaining spaces flow outside to ample patios and a crescent-shaped pool. Updates made in 1994 by the current owner and approved by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation include stainless wrapped kitchen counters, honed Italian rose marble in the master bath, hand-picked slate floors from India and the home’s original windows.
7256 SUNNYDIP TRAIL | LOS ANGELES
Built and designed in 1959 by midcentury modern icons Buff and Hensman, with a later addition completed by Buff, Hensman and Smith in 2002, this classic architectural home epitomizes the post and beam architecture iconic to the era. Represented by Aileen Comora and Paul Lester, the three-bedroom, 2,167-square-foot residence features classic, vaulted, beamed ceilings and walls of glass that fill the living spaces with natural light. A gracious inner courtyard is central to the layout, separating the master suite from the guest bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room. Surrounded by gardens and crowned by a sun-drenched swimming pool—seamlessly integrated with the living room through sliding walls of glass—the home’s prime promontory captures far-reaching views of the mountains, canyons and sparkling city lights in the distance.
Designed by acclaimed California architect Ray Kappe, Mr. C Residences perfectly embodies the California lifestyle with glass window walls and open, airy interiors that complement the building’s geometric architectural exterior. Represented by The Agency Development Group, residences range in size from approximately 2,000 to 3,400 square feet, featuring contemporary materials such as glass, steel, redwood and teak. Each offers chef-caliber gourmet kitchens, two luxurious bedroom suites, seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces and sweeping views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Pairing homeownership with the luxury hotel amenities and white-glove services of the world-renowned Mr. C Beverly Hills, Mr. C Residences offers residents 24-hour personalized concierge and preferential access to acclaimed fine dining, the private fitness studio, spa and 4,500-square-foot pool deck.
9318 NIGHTINGALE DRIVE | LOS ANGELES
Deftly executed by Zoltan Pali of SPF:architects and built by Dugally Oberfeld, this award-winning contemporary home in the exclusive Bird Streets of Los Angeles showcases museum-quality construction, warm, sophisticated interiors and a thoughtful, open layout. Represented by Mauricio Umansky and Alejandro Aldrete, the 9,000-square-foot residence features Austrian textured wood floors, a custom-fabricated Italian Del Tongo kitchen, soaring, glass-enclosed master suite and towering walls of glass that take full advantage of sweeping city and ocean vistas. Sliding walls of glass blend organically into expansive grounds by world-renowned landscape architect Andrea Cochran, including an expansive lawn—unprecedented in the hills—and 70-foot, infinity-edge pool and spa.
DESERT PALISADES | PALM SPRINGS
An unprecedented collection of 110 homesites along the picturesque hillsides of Palm Springs, Desert Palisades is leading a movement in modern architectural design by creating a cutting-edge, sustainable, and visually enriching enclave that harmonizes eloquently with the natural desert landscape. Residents are encouraged to enlist the world’s most prominent architects to design and build their homes from the ground up, exploring new ideals in desert modernism while upholding the time-honored, midcentury principles that have long defined Palm Springs. The first homes feature original architectural works by such visionaries as Ray Kappe and Al Beadle. Desert Palisades’ exquisite guardhouse, designed by Studio AR&D Architects, Inc., was the recent recipient of American Institute of Architects’ prestigious merit award for architecture.
Recent Notable Sale: If it’s any testament to the enduring popularity of midcentury modern architecture, 3377 Fryman Canyon, a Cliff May-designed post and beam represented by Jonathan Ruiz, was recently scooped off the market.
Keep Your Eyes Out: An architecturally significant modernist estate in Santa Ynez is coming soon. Designed by renowned architectural firm Richard Meier & Partners (known for The Getty Center and Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art), the unprecedented home, represented by Billy Rose, features a custom-designed curvilinear ceiling and modernist, open design elements. Set on 218 sensational acres, the offering includes horse facilities, a half-acre swimming hole, riding trails and dramatic views in every direction.
