Yahoo Lifestyle This 1950s L.A. Home Had a Stylish 21st Century Update. Now It Can Be Yours for $10.5 Million
Southern California is home to some of the most iconic modernist architecture in the country, from the scores of midcentury-modern structures in Palm Springs to the many modernist residences scattered across Los Angeles that were conceptualized by some of the country’s most innovative architects and brought to life by forward-thinking builders.
The Veneklasen House in the Mandeville Canyon area of L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood is a discreet midcentury-modern gem that has retained its architectural heritage over its 75 years thanks to its preservation-minded previous owners and the handful of architects and designers that have worked to update and improve it.
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The home was originally designed for a pianist in 1951 by renowned architect Kenneth Lind and modernist master Pierre Koenig; it was later owned by Richard Strauss, a marketing executive at Disney. Between 2019 and 2021, the post-and-beam abode underwent a significant restoration and expansion by Chu-Gooding Architects, and, in 2022, the L.A.-based firm received the AIALA Residential Architecture Award for its thoughtful updates. Now, the home is listed for $10.5 million by Ernie Carswell of Douglas Elliman and James Hancock of Coldwell Banker.
Beyond the humble car port, the gated and landscaped courtyard entry, and an unassuming front door set into a shallow porch in the white-washed brick facade, vast walls of glass look out onto the verdant backyard, which has a towering 100-year-old tree as its centerpiece. Indeed, nearly every room feels connected to the outdoors, and there is a palpable synergy between the interiors and the lush landscape.
The home is constructed in a V-shape with two wings that divide the communal spaces from the bedrooms. As part of Chu-Gooding’s renovation, the original layout was tweaked and a second floor was added. Still, the team honored the spirit and architectural integrity set forth by their predecessors. Today, the home spans a tetch over 3,900 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a powder room.
The main level houses the living room, which has a fireplace surrounded by white brick, and the dining area, which has a glass wall that overlooks the pool. Indeed, nearly every room feels connected to the outdoors, and there is a palpable synergy between the interiors and the lush landscape. Elswhere is an office and the kitchen, featuring custom walnut cabinetry and gray-green quartzite that echoes the colors of the landscaping beyond.
The bedrooms are filtered throughout both levels, but the stellar homeowner’s retreat is situated on the second floor. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, the views feel like you’re perched in a tree house. The primary bedroom has a fireplace, seating area, a large bathroom overlooking the backyard, massive closet, and a wooden deck overlooking the pool and lemon trees below.
The well-groomed backyard is divided into various spaces for al fresco dining, relaxing and entertaining. A spacious deck includes an outdoor fireplace, while trees shade the original trapezoid-shaped pool.
Click here for more photos of the updated 1950s home in L.A.’s Mandeville Canyon.
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