Southern California has long been a creative canvas for some of the world’s most iconic and influential architects. The vast and varied landscape showcases residential design of all shapes and sizes, from sprawling traditional estates to minimalist contemporary gems that fuse indoor and outdoor living. Here, we showcase seven stunning architecturals on the market now from the coast to the mountainsides above.
THE BEVERLY HOUSE | BEVERLY HILLS
Among the most unique properties in the country, The Beverly House is the former estate of world-renowned newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and famed actress Marion Davies. Designed by Gordon Kaufmann, the architect behind the Hoover Dam, the estate stands as an emblem of Hollywood’s Golden Era, having appeared in movies The Godfather to The Bodyguard. Represented by Mauricio Umansky and Santiago Arana, the estate is famous for its H-form architecture, with long colonnades, wide balconies, arched floor-to-ceiling windows, 18 bedrooms, 22-foot, hand-painted ceiling and a billiards room with ceiling and carved fireplace from the Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
4319 OAKWOOD AVENUE | LA CANADA
Originally built in 1925, this rare, unassuming estate showcases the combined vision of Architect Arthury Taylor and the firm Stamps and Stamps, with updated interior and exterior spaces. Showcasing characteristics reminiscent of the Mid-Atlantic Farmhouse period, the four-bedroom home is situated on over a half-acre in the prestigious lower Oakwood district. Represented by Rita Whitney, the home features custom Alder wood bookcases, crown molding, ornate wood-carved architectural accents, oversized windows, deep patios, a country-style kitchen and a magnificent one-bedroom pool house with a brick fireplace and vaulted ceiling.
A modern architectural masterpiece on a private promontory in Bel Air, The Orum House was envisioned by famed architect Zoltan Pali. Represented by The Umansky Team’s Mauricio Umansky, Farrah Brittany and Eduardo Umansky, the three-story residence floats above its surroundings, wrapped in glass that frames and mirrors panoramic views of the Getty Center, Downtown L.A. and the Pacific Ocean. The steel and glass structure features three wings, delicately balancing scale and comfort, with 18,850 square feet of living space, 6,000 square feet of deck space, nine bedrooms and 15 baths. Thoughtfully designed to separate entertaining spaces and family quarters, the home features dual living rooms, a wine room, theater, wellness center and an ozone, mirror-image pool.
1100 PASO ALTO ROAD | PASADENA
Among the most architecturally significant estates in Pasadena history, this property features not one, but two residential masterpieces by two of SoCal’s most iconic architects. One residence was custom designed by modernist pioneer A. Quincy Jones and one by midcentury visionary Thornton Ladd. Represented by Gus Ruelas, Anthony Guthmiller and Mauricio Umansky, the property is located atop the Linda Vista hills, capturing views of the Rose Bowl, San Gabriel Valley, Downtown L.A. and the Pacific Ocean. The Jones-designed house features 6,500 square feet of living space including soaring, double-height ceilings and towering glass walls. The Ladd-designed residence is a single-story home envisioned to harmonize with nature, featuring courtyards, a reflecting pool and Japanese garden.
37363 PEACOCK CIRCLE | RANCHO MIRAGE
One of the last unbuilt properties on the Tamarisk golf course, this homesite offers the rare chance to build a home from the ground-up by one of the country’s most celebrated, AIA award-winning architects. The property comes with architectural plans by Steven Harris, founder of Steven Harris Architects and professor of Architecture at Yale. Represented by Ruben Valerio, the design calls for an all glass façade positioned to capture 180-degree views of the fairways and mountain peaks, and a cantilevered roof that extends 12 feet over the 60-foot terrace, shielding the living room from the western sun.
1746 HANSCOM DRIVE | SOUTH PASADENA
A brand new modern build by architectural firm IA Design Studio and developer PGB Holdings, this three-bedroom home maximizes tree-lined hilltop views and natural light. Ten-foot ceilings rise above the living room, while floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the vistas and create seamless transitions to the outdoors. Custom woodwork and stone accents warm the light, airy living spaces. Represented by Michele Giffin, the home boasts a spectacular primary suite with spa-style bath and epic views, a black bottom infinity-pool and a soaring, double-height staircase with skylight atrium above.
1944 PALMERSTON PLACE | LOS ANGELES
This historic four-plex in Los Feliz was designed by noted architect Hiram J. Hamer, AIA in 1940. One- and two-bedroom homes showcase 1940s character-rich detail, picture windows, private terraces and varied view lines. One two-bedroom, 1,900-square-foot home boasts 20-foot vaulting ceilings, a den and French doors. Represented by Carlos Castillo, the property offers fantastic potential for a modern update, located on a quiet residential street north of Franklin Avenue.
