B.H.P.O. Buff, Straub & Hensman "Edwards Residence"Hits Market for First Time

1274 Benedict Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills Post Office, 90210

When it comes to mid-century modern architecture, I am always happier seeing a property untouched and left in its original state than some awful renovation without proper advisement and architectural oversight.When it comes to mid-century modern architecture, I am always happier seeing a property untouched and left in its original state than some awful renovation without proper advisement and architectural oversight.

Now, we have a beautiful Buff, Straub & Hensman 1957 designed home in the Beverly Hills Post Office area above Sunset Blvd and just north of Delresto Drive.  This listing gives me the same feeling as the A. Quincy Jones Friedman House in Brentwood left me feeling several months back.  Sans the resort style furnishings, the bones of this 4 bed / 3 bath are fully intact and ready for some polishing.  1274 BenedictCanyon Dr  is currently introduced to the market at a healthy $2,350,00 for the 2,736sf of interior design which breaks down into $858.92/sf.  Granted, it has over 45,000sf of land with hillside characteristics, and lots of privacy.

This truly is an AIA (American Institute of Architecture) award-winning home with the designation being presented to the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Duffy Edwards.  From what I can see in title record, this home has not changed hands beyond a family member back in 1995, which makes this Trust sale without court confirmation very appealing, as it would be the first time the home is on market.  I like that in a mid-century modern home.

As you walk into the long single-story floor plan, you are greeted with privacy and walls of glass while overlooking the pool.  Through the sliders and into the back entertainment area with pool and spa is one of two private outdoor areas in the back of the home.

Creating a serene sanctuary outside the sleeping area is an outdoor private garden space with mature landscaping.  It gives the living environment a true sense of modern living with exposure to the outdoors through a sliding glass wall.

Here are publications the home has been featured:

• Plans Being Prepared: Dwelling (Beverly Hills). Southwest Builder & Contractor, 1957. 129(14, Apr 5): p. 35. Announces that Buff, Straub & Hensman are preparing plans for a 1-story, 3,000 sq. ft., frame and stucco residence for Duffy Edwards in Benedict Canyon.
• “New Life for a Cherished Tradition: Wood.” House & Garden, 1960(February): p. 52-72.  P. 61 (Edwards Residence by Buff Straub & Hensman).
• Western Buildings in the News. Architectural Record, 1960(Feb): p. 34.  Includes 4 Julius Shulman (JS) photos of buildings including the Edwards Residence in Beverly Hills designed by Buff, Straub & Hensman.
• Edwards Residence. Pacific Architect & Builder, 1960(Jan): p. 9. Includes 1 JS photo.
• “A far-sighted house designed for a second life.” House & Garden, 1961. 120(Nov): p. 206-209. Includes 5 Julius Shulman photos of the Edwards House in Beverly Hills, California designed by Buff, Straub and Hensman, architects.
• “La piscine et son environment.” Maison & Jardin, 1962(Jun-Jul): p. 162-7. Includes a Julius Shulman photo of the Edwards Residence in Beverly Hills by Buff, Straub & Hensman.
• Shulman, J. and P. Serraino, Modernism Rediscovered. 2000, Koln: Taschen. 573. Edwards Residence in Beverly Hills on pp. 262-265.
• Shulman, J., Modernism: 2005 Taschen Diary. 2004, Koln: Taschen. Includes a frontispiece JS photo of Buff, Straub & Hensman's Edwards Residence in Beverly Hills.
• Shulman, J. and B. Taschen, Julius Shulman: Modernism Rediscovered. 2007, Koln: Taschen. 1008. Includes Julius Shulman photos of the Edwards Residence.

MLS 12-590731 courtesy of Penelope Psaltiras, PRU.