Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Pristine Mid-Century Modern | Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A., 1956 - Encino


3736 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, CA - Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A, 1956 - $2,199,000
Take in this private mid-century modern post and beam home located in the hills of Encino, CA, showcasing the masterful work of Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A.  Now on market ( MLS# 16-160888 ) asking $2,199,000, while looking for it's third steward to care for this "Mid-Century at a Classic Level." 
Set above the street and up the curvy drive, you come upon a somewhat modest facade, but tasteful, all the same.  The true surprise and joy comes when you walk through the front door and into this world of strategically placed fenestration offering seamless fluidity of environment that permits an infusion of natural light.  Architectural details and design further you through the home and out into nature.  
Redwood walls extend from the outdoors and into the reception area where you will find a large closet area behind the paneled pop-out doors, seamlessly hidden.  This freshly painted home is tight as a whistle and it shows from the moment you enter the home.
I always enjoy seeing how Fickett designed homes with his attention to bringing the outdoors-in, through his use of fenestration and architectural details, such as carrying the slump brick from the garden into the home and the usage of clerestory & skylights.  While creating a partition wall to separate the reception area from the eating area, he follows through with a contiguous motion of design. The eating area is delightful with a wall of windows and a door leading out to an intimate garden area with bubbling fountain.  
The soul is lifted in this home through its high ceilings and thoughtful spacial details.  Due to the spaciousness of this design, originally conceived by Fickett in 1954 for G.M.B. Corp. and Elwain Steinkamp, Fickett received the National Association of Home Builder's award for single-family residential planning. 
Fickett was noted in the May 1955 issue of House Beautiful, showcasing his award-winning plan. This particular home was given an addition by the architect shortly after being built  in 1956 to add a generous-sized Family room and creating a total 2,270 square feet* of interior living space.  The design was noted for its freestanding fireplace in the center of the home providing definition without confinement.  You can't help being engaged by many elements of texture and pattern throughout.
The newly laid French white oak hardwood floors throughout the living area and sleeping quarters provide a polished, yet organic feeling to the home.  The wood provides that lovely natural element in keeping with the mindset of the modernist.  You will also find Herman Miller "Bubble Lamps" throughout this home, and they all come with the sale.
Another lovely feature of this home is the custom chef’s kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, Caesarstone countertops and plenty of storage space in the kitchen, as well as in the pantry.  The fenestration looks out onto the pool area, while the galley type plan features a breakfast bar and open to the eating area.
Off of the kitchen you will find the Utility room where washer and dryer can be found, along with the wine refrigerator.  Set in the corner is a built-in desk area for a quick study.  You also find access to the 2-car garage through this room. 
The original owner created a Family room addition, also designed by Fickett.  The current owners converted the room into an incredibly spacious Master bedroom suite.  Find comfort and tranquility within this area of the home, just footsteps from the pool.  Clerestory windows align the northern wall while a set of sliders and a corner of windows allow plenty of natural sunlight.  On those cooler Southern California evenings, enjoy the gas-starter fireplace and cuddle-up with someone you love or grab the latest best seller for a comfortable read.
The Master en-suite is like taking a moment at a luxurious spa.  Beautiful light from clerestory windows and a large plate window above the tub provides clean solar gain.  Go ahead.  Treat yourself to a Caviar Facial.  Double sinks are mounted to a milled floating vanity while the wet area provides double shower heads and seating bench.  Access to the walk-in closet can be found through pocket-doors from the bathroom or bedroom.
On the north-side of the home, you find the original sleeping quarters.  As you move through the central hall with skylights, you find the main bathroom with skylight and floating milled vanity.
The second 'Master bedroom' is a tranquil retreat with a north-facing wall of windows infusing a steady stream of muted sunlight.  The tasteful en-suite provides double sinks and shower area.
The Jack-n-Jill bedrooms join by an original birch accordion wall.  You will notice the partition wall of slump brick with glass above slotted into the masonry giving a sense of freedom and flow.


This home is ideal for anyone looking for spaciousness, privacy, architecture and design. Everything you see within this home is an example of "Pride of Ownership."  The home resides on a 20,976 square foot hillside lot (.485 acre) with a bounty of nature and mature greenery surrounding you, while keeping life private. 
A large patio area with a built-in seating nook rests outside the living room.  The pool embedded into the hillside bedrock was originally installed by Atlas Pools and has recently been resurfaced. The pool is not heated, but the spa certainly is.
Climb up a few railroad ties in the hillside and come upon an Observation deck to catch more beautiful foliage of the Encino hills within the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains.
There are numerous upgrades and features including Nest system, water purification, tankless water heater, sound system reaching indoors and outdoors, along with a security system installed(ADT).  Reports are on hand for anyone interested in reviewing the condition of the home. This post and beam home has only seen two owners.  Sellers are now sharing their pride of ownership with you.  Come see why this is an award-winning home design. 

You can find similar plans around Los Angeles in neighborhoods such as Brentwood, Bel Air, Encino and Sherman Oaks where Fickett and G.M.B. Corp. collaborated often.  Elwain Steinkamp (G.M.B.) and Fickett were forces to be reckoned with as they made an impact in housing throughout Los Angeles during the post-war movement. This relationship and collaboration would prove fruitful as the two men built many homes together as developer and architect, respectfully.
http://www.modernhomeslosangeles.com/listing/16160888/
For more information or to set up an appointment to see this timeless design, please contact Steven Ward, Modern Homes Los Angeles, +1-213-305-8537.

*Square footage is based on a current performance by a professional floor planner.  All buyers must due diligence in regards to square footage, bed / bath count, permits, etc. 

Special thanks to Claudia at Modern Mecca.  You got game, girl!


House Beautiful, 1955 - Maynard Parker, Photographer