Cliff May's Roxanne Rancho Needs A New Do

3153 Roxanne Avenue, Long Beach 90808

Poor Roxanne Rancho.  She needs a wash & set - STAT!  Designed by famed Mid-Century Modern architect, Cliff May in 1952, this RUSTIC LANAI floor plan is now on market and in need of repair.  The original floor plan was designed as a 3 bedroom / 1.75 bath home with pool is perfect for any avid collector of May's work.  Many original details are still intact within the 1,433sf of living space.  They may just need a little polishing.  Currently, 3153 Roxanne Avenue, Long Beach 90808 is being offered for $480,000.

The ride begins as we are greeted with the 'updated' front door with it's faux leaded glass treatment.  It will take someone who can see beyond the dark stained wood paneling and other attributes.   Sheesh!  You are faced with a lot of heaviness upon entering the home.  The good news is the 1,433sf home allows for a great remodel.

Yep!  It's a giraffe, people.  Good stuff.  But, look at the ceiling and the beams.  I bet there is more to explore up there.  How about the double-sided fireplace?  You cannot see from the photos entrance area also shares the living area fireplace.  As you enter the living / dining area, you are met with a wall of natural sunlight.  Again, with some reworkings and effort, someone could end up with an amazing Cliff May designed home and say they contributed to restoring a potential landmark.  And please, immediately remove the acoustic tiling on the ceiling to expose the wood.

The kitchen, along with the rest of the house needs some major overhauling.  Call me crazy, but I do like the counter tile and the built-in cabinet in the eating area.  Again, you have a wall of natural light allowing the natural light to fill your home.

 Technically, below is the Master Bedroom.  

The Jack & Jill Bedrooms have been joined together by the removal of the central closet between the two.  Hence, the property technically is only a 2 Bedroom as there is not an additional closet.  Be aware come time of the appraisal.  With that said, it makes most sense to open up the area between the two bedroom to create one large master suite.  There are some really nice appointments here. 

And needless to say, the bathrooms need an overhauling as well.  I like the skylight in the one bath, but dislike the framing that exists around it.  

What truly makes this a Southern California Mid-Century Modern Home is the pool!  The outdoor living space on the 5,300sf lot needs some landscaping to enhance the outdoor lifestyle this home affords.  

 

I say, let's make a deal.  This place needs more than just a new hairdo, but in the long run, the augmentation you give it will be well worth it.

 

If this classic Cliff May home inspires you and you would like to see it first-hand, please give me a call, 213-305-8537, to set up a showing.  If you are interested in buying and would like resources for the renovation, feel free to reach me. 

In the meantime, have a modern day!

Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Specialist
modernhomeslosangeles
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
DRE Lic #01871422
213.305.8537 direct
steve.ward.la@gmail.com
MODCOM - LA Conservancy Modern Committee