Edward H. Fickett: The Miller House, 1973 - Malibu

24142 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA - "The Miller House", Edward H. Fickett, 1973

One of many beach homes designed by Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. along the shores of Malibu, is "The Miller House".  This was one of Fickett's later Malibu works of architecture built in 1973.  Many of his homes in Malibu were built in the fifties.  Some designs are still around and some have fallen victim to demolition through the years. This particular mid-century modern post and beam design is a thoughtful light-filled retreat triggering the creative side of one's soul.  Through a open floor plan and natural light through Fickett's beautiful fenestration design and expressing his knowledge of how solar gain effects the environment, The Miller House enlivens your love for mid-century modern architecture, mid-century.  Upon driving up to the beach house located at 24142 Malibu Road, Malibu, CA you find a severe roof line jutting up to the sky over the double-entry doors and two-car garage.  Hidden behind this facade lies a wonderful example from a master architect.  As you pass through the double doors off of the street, you enter a private garden area where you can't help but notice the pop of bright orange entry doors.  The incredible design is being offered for $8,000,000 and worth every penny!    If you are a qualified buyer and would like to see this work of art, please contact modern homes los angeles to set up an appointment.

Once you step inside The Miller House, you are greeted by an open two-story open plan living space with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean only footsteps away.  By far, the is the home of the week.  The soaring ceiling take you up to the heavens.  Architectural moments are throughout this home.  Wherever the eye takes you, it becomes a visual sensation that brings a sense of relaxation and of a world beyond. 

Step down into the conversation pit at the rear of the home creating a comfortable atmosphere for an intimate affair while taking in stunning views of the ocean or snuggling up to a cozy fire.  Fickett uses smoked windows in the conversation pit to cut any glare from the outdoors and reducing the tendency to squint your eyes to look out over the ocean views and sunsets. 

The open plan living space with walls of glass that take you out to nature, provides a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.  The soaring ceiling heights provide light to cascade through plate glass and fall upon the custom ceramic tiling below. 

The kitchen allows you access to guests and entertaining through its pass-through window to the outdoor seating area, while connecting you to the interior dining area and living space.

Past the kitchen is the utility area, which also leads to the downstairs bedroom, one of two in this design.  Check out Fickett's hidden Ironing Board below.  He had a fascination with clever design; form and function. 

Through the laundry area, you pass through the downstairs bathroom and into the quiet, private and tranquil downstairs bedroom, which is off of the entry garden in the center of the house.

Back inside the house is a custom staircase design, which connects the lower and upper floors while providing a sculptural element with the wooden banisters. 

The second floor of Fickett's Miller House includes a master suite with en-suite bath and sitting area with a dry sauna.  The crows nest seating area at the top of the stairs provides a cozy seating area, while allowing the amazing views of the Pacific.  Through the crows nest, you walk out onto a private outdoor entertaining area.  This provides access to the massive artist studio and work area above the garage, as well.

The master bedroom is at the back of the house with a balcony offering incredible views of the ocean, while taking in cool breezes off of the water.  Again, Fickett utilizes smoked glass for the wall of windows facing the ocean to reduce the solar gain.

Off of the master bedroom is the en-suite dressing area and bathroom.  The contiguous use of the wood panel throughout the home continues through this upper suite section of the Miller House.  Fickett's dressing areas are always of brilliant design, as he was always successful with storage and closet space.  Through the hall with high ceilings and drop lighting fixtures, you find storage for all your needs, along with a vanity with amazing natural light from the huge window above. 

Through the master bathroom, you enter a sitting area with more closets, sliders that go outside to the seating area on the deck and a dry sauna!  How seventies...  But, you have to admit, with today's challenges, it might be nice to actually utilize the sauna for therapeutic reprieve.  This master suite is like nothing you have ever seen before. 

Off of the seating area is another bathroom, which also serves the upstairs living areas.

As mentioned earlier, the second story also provides a private seating area on your way to the studio above the garage.  Even while up on this deck, Fickett provides you with an ocean view, seen through the sliders, bannister and plate glass on the back of the house.

Original Fickett designed lighting fixtures are found throughout this home.  Many people do not know that Fickett was a designer of all that he worked with as an architect.  He worked proficiently in each craft from ceramics to metal work.  Even his stairs often make you stop and look.  He customized and carried through an artistic styling throughout his designs. Below is an example of his sleekly designed outdoor lighting fixtures.

Basic white globe lighting fixtures hang from the slatted wood trellis that join the main house to the incredible studio over the garage.

You step inside this very large studio and are immediately impressed.  Fickett understood the creative brief on this house and delivered.   As one of the owners was a painter, it was important to have proper light.  With an incredibly high ceiling and a very large window to provide ample natural light for painting, you can't help to appreciate the love for art.  The studio itself is inspirational, as it provides an uplifting feeling.  The way Fickett engineered the garage structure is really something, and isn't something you see everyday.  The studio also has a work station with built-in bookcases.  You will notice a window in front of the desk.  When you look out that window, you see the ocean through fenestration of the Miller House and out to the ocean.  Such is the thoughtfulness and genius of Edward H. Fickett. To note, the home is currently displaying the owner's artwork throughout the staging.

So, some would say I am leaving the best elements of this house for last?  After all, this home is located on the beach with breathtaking views and ocean breezes.  The back yard is a lovely retreat with brick work down by the ocean, a grassy area for kids to play and then up to the large deck for entertaining.  Waves crash against the rock walkway, which leads down to the beach for some surfing adventures. 

The deck outside of the kitchen enjoys a connection with the indoors through the pass-through window and large sliding doors.  It becomes an area where people join together out in nature with the elements all around you.  You will notice Fickett provides glass partitions to block the wind.

Next door is another example of an Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. design.  The neighboring home was built in 1974 after the Miller House.  I tell ya, I think he got inspired by the Miller House studio / garage as Fickett utilizes a similar roof line of the garage for the home next door.

It was a lovely day up at the Miller House and I believe the next owner will truly love this home.  It deserves an owner who wants fine design in a relaxed setting.  If you are a qualified buyer and would like to see this work of art, please contact modern homes los angeles to set up an appointment.

Map of 24142 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Listing and some photos courtesy of Madison Hilldebrand, PT-Malibu.