1958 Edward H. Fickett, FAIA Architecture Lightens Market

An incredible mid-century modern known as the Williams Residence, designed by my favorite architect, Edward H. Fickett, FAIA comes to market today.  Hidden just north of Mulholland above Nichols Canyon is the 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom 1958 home of glass located 7440 Palo Vista Drive, Los Angeles 90046 in a private and serene location in the hills.  It is freshly offered for $2,725,000. 

7440 Palo Vista Drive, 90046

You can't help notice the stylistic touch of Fickett with his cut-out ceilings with shade screening to allow diffusion of light in outdoor areas, which is mimicked in this particular design in both back and front of the home.  The current listing shows the owner has painted the wooden shade slatting white versus the signature Fickett turquoise, which the prior owner had kept.

The steps have also gone from Fickett red to cement.  As you walk up to the front door of the house, you will notice the large outdoor garden landscaping.  Fickett loved his landscaping and had a private nursery he used to stock his designs after the build. His nursery was large with many indigenous palms, grasses and succulents.  When he had the opportunity, he would create lavish gardens that would transport you to another island.  

I happen to love the floating staircase in the foyer.  Fickett loved them, too.  His own personal home built in the 50's also had some floaters. 

Perched on a 15,000sf lot, the beautiful home of walls of windows, including jalousie windows, clerestory windows and one-lite panels clear as well as opaque that allow nature to envelope you once inside the home lit with enormous amounts of natural light.  

High ceilings elevate your soul as the beautiful natural light pours into the mid-century delight. The parquet flooring is in beautifully restored condition.  The owner has not done much to disturb the integrity of the home from the original design beyond some of the mentioned items.  Overall, the integrity is good. 

When Fickett situated the house on the lot, he turned the house slightly to receive proper light and shade throughout the day.  Even he understood we all need the reprieve from the intense Southern California heat.  Take a look at the rear of the house showcasing the pool with deck.

This is a wonderful example of updating and remodeling a vintage kitchen.  First and foremost with much of the mid-century cabinets and hardware, keep it simple.  Here, the owner has added new appliances, counter tops and other modern conveniences to make our lives much more happy.  The Spanish clay floor tiles have been removed and new ceramic tiles have replaced. Now, it is much more modern than what the prior owner had done. (For photos of the house prior to this owner, see below the map photo for images.) 

The 2,092 square foot home includes a library / 3rd bedroom with landscaping outdoors to keep things private and quiet.

The master bedroom has wonderful light and built-in bookcases with lots of storage space.

The second bedroom is a large open room with high ceilings and walls of glass from floor-to-ceiling.

The restored vintage mid-century modern bathroom stays within the basic white subway tile and not much more keeping things clean.

The backyard provides 180-degree views of the San Fernando Valley while the large pool is perfect for gatherings and entertaining within this private space. 

Let me know if you have any interest in seeing the home or wanting to contact me for writing any offers on this great example of the clean design of Edward H. Fickett, FAIA, "American Hero".

Map for 7440 Palo Vista Dr 90046

Even though house has not been messed with too much by the owner who bought in 2011 for $1,875,000.  Again, it is currently being offered at $2,725,000.  Below are photos from the earlier listing showing some of the original Fickett flare with his favorite colors red and turquoise.  You will notice the pathways and pool deck with the red he always loved.  Also, sadly, the shade screens on both sides of the house have been changed to white from the original turquoise, something we saw in the shade screen at the old West Hollywood Library.  For all it's worth, check out the older photos below:

MLS listing and photos courtesy of David Kessler, Sotheby's.