Bailey House - Richard Neutra's Case Study House #20, On Market

219 Chatauqua, Pacific Palisades - Case Study House #20, Bailey House 1947, Richard Neutra, architect

Designed in 1947 by architect Richard Neutra, the Case Study House #20, Bailey House (located 219 Chatauqua) also accounted for a growing family.  From the on-set, the family expressed their desire to grow as a family and that they would most likely outgrow the 2 bedroom home and would eventually expand as they earned more money.  Consequently, Neutra worked on the additions throughout the home's early life. 

The original construction of the residence and Neutra's additions utilized glass, steel and wood.  The main house, with a simple rectangular plan, features walls of glass on the backside of the house so as to enjoy the pastoral gardens.  This mid-century modern design is a simple, yet refined moment in Neutra's career.   The home has seen a restoration by Marmol Radziner.

The covered walkway allows for the continued experience of nature and architecture to intersect. Perhaps Neutra's The Singleton House, 1959 took note of the Bailey House additions when contemplating the later addition of that home. 

The Bailey House was Neutra's third design for editor, John Entenza's Arts and Architecture magazine Case Study House program.  Neutra's 1945 design, Case Study House #6, "Omega" and his 1946 design, Case Study House #13, "Alpha", both were never realized and remain unbuilt.  It wasn't until The Bailey House that Neutra was afforded opportunity to realize the principals of the program: 

“...We of course assume that the shape and form of post war living is of primary importance to a great many Americans, and that...the house[s]... will be conceived within the spirit of our times, using as far as is practicable, many war-born techniques and materials best suited to the expression of man’s life in the modern world.” - Arts and Architecture

Mature gardens are lush, providing privacy from the outside world.  How about taking a relaxing spa here?  

Also on the 58,742 square foot site is the Simon House (located at 14800 Corona Del Mar), built in 2010 to LEED Certified Gold standards including, energy conservation technology and use of recycled, toxin free materials. The high volume living room is the focus of a design that also features a spectacular theater / bar / game room that connects to a stone deck with a cascading infinity-edge pool, beautiful views of the Bailey House.  This addition to the estate makes sustainable sense, but personally, I could take just the Case Study House #20 and be content. 

The Case Study House #20, Bailey House and LEED (Certified Gold) Simon House are being offered for $18,000,000.  If you are qualified and need assistance in the purchase of this home, please contact me.  Private appointments can be arranged.

Map of 14800 Corona Del Mar, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Listing and photos courtesy of MLS and Steve Sigoloff - TA

Vidal Sassoon's "The Singleton House", Hits Market Again

The Singleton House, Richard Neutra, FAIA, 1959

After a few years of this prominent modernist home left the market with a price tag of $14,995,000, it only makes sense the estate of Vidal Sassoon brings it back to market now with a current list price of $17,995,000, as mid-century modern homes of this caliber demand the offer price. 

Vidal and Ronnie Sassoon for Architectural Digest, Todd Eberle Photo

Origins:

Originally, "The Singleton House" was built for the wealthy industrialist Henry Earl Singleton (Teledyne Corp.) in 1959, by noted architect Richard Neutra. Singleton was an electrical engineer, business executive, and rancher/land owner who made significant contributions to aircraft inertial guidance and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering.  It is only fitting that an engineer would employ the work of Neutra for this spectacular 4 bedroom 5 bathroom estate.  Originally, the home was built with 3 bedrooms within 3,392sf of living space.

With it's clean architectural lines and a roof seemingly floating on glass, The Singleton House is a fine example of "glass box" modernist architecture. 

Rennovation Back-story:
When the Sasson's purchased the house, which was unoccupied for two years prior, it was in such poor condition that a section of the roof collapsed two weeks after closing. A couple of months later, part of the property slid into a neighbor's yard. However, Ronnie was determined to restore the house. She began familiarizing herself with Neutra's work and studying pictures of the Singleton House taken by Julius Shulman when the home was new.  The home's renovation was chronicled in Architectural Digest in their article, "Vidal Sassoon's Modernist Retreat".

Due to the extensive abuse by nature and time, Ronnie Sassoon poured her heart and soul into the renovation and thoughtful addition to the house in order to restore the original luster of the house.  Ronnie worked with contractor Scott Werker of GW Associates of L.A. to achieve sublime design results.  They replaced damaged ceilings and poured new terrazzo floors.  At the same time, the team removed a number of walls in order to create larger, brighter interior spaces. They added a master bedroom suite, which Ronnie designed with Werker and building planner Tim Campbell.  The result is an example of taste and thoughtfulness without destroying the integrity of a mid-century modern beauty.

As soon as you enter the house, you are greeted with a living space with cozy built-in furnishings, massive stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass with expansive views.

The  home now has an expansive 6,400sf living space and adorned with terrazzo flooring, jalousie windows and sliders, as the ceiling floats atop of the structural I-beams.  I enjoy seeing the built-in bookcases and furnishings still intact.

The formal living room includes walls of windows and of course, a sunken bar area for entertaining during those cocktail hours of the late 50s, early 60s.

Around the corner from the stone fireplace rests the dining area which adjoins to the kitchen and eating area with plenty of inviting indoor-outdoor access to the pool area.

Unequivocally, this chic home is perfect for anyone looking to entertain large parties or anyone looking for a home abutting an nature reserve.  I really enjoy homes with water features as the Singleton House has. 

The beautiful soffit lighting in the eaves, creates a subtle awareness of the architecture.  An additional bedroom is located on the opposite wall from the eating area in the kitchen.

The enclosed breezeway connects the main living area to the additional sleeping area and media room.

There is a media room with a private garden area outside it's sliding glass wall.

The master bedroom is surrounded by glass with built-in features along with terrazzo floors.

The master bathroom was designed by Ronnie Sassoon and includes a spectacular bath tub made of stone.  The wall of windows can be open to make you feel as if you are bathing in the outdoors.

Ronnie Sassoon's Master Bathroom design, Architectural Digest, Todd Eberle Photo

The outdoor area in the back of the house has a beautiful large pool and mature landscaping.

The "glass-box" estate sits on a promontory at the head of Stone Canyon Rd. where it meets Mulholland Dr.

Due to the position of the house on over 5 acres with it's 225,000sf lot, it is not able to be seen off the road, which is perfect for any person looking for optimum privacy. 

If you are interested in viewing this home, get your Pre-Qualification letter handy. Only those pre-qualified are invited per the MLS listing.

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Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®, ABR®
Mid-Century Specialist

Historian & Preservation Advocate

Edward H. Fickett, FAIA Estate
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
 

213.305.8537 direct
modernhomeslosangeles.com 

 

DRE Lic #01871422

Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest and the MLS with listing held by Kurt Rappoport, WEA.