Modern Homes Los Angeles: Raul

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Raul Garduno - Moreno Highlands Hideaway, 1960

1954 Lucille Ave, Silver Lake - Raul F. Garduno, Architect, 1960 - $899,000

One of my favorite architects, Raul F. Garduno is someone who is under the radar of mid-century modern architecture and design in our local scene, but one who is gaining more admirers with time. There is not much about him on the web and he remains somewhat mysterious to me, other than the fact that all of his homes speak to me in an esoteric sense. I have a good friend who owns an incredible design of his in Beverly Hills. It would make your heart stop due to it's beauty and design. But let's not digress...

On market is an open plan two bedroom and two bathroom post and beam tree house supported by steel, as it cantilevers over the western hillside of the Moreno Highlands area of Silver Lake, by Raul F. Garduno. If you don't look up from the street below, you could miss this one and it's sister home, the Fleming Drefeld House, resting just north of here. Located at 1954 Lucille Avenue, Silver Lake, 90039, the modest 1,395 square foot interior living space takes advantage of the vistas and views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Park Observatory. Listed for $899,000, this mid-century, built in 1960, needs a respectful steward, as the home needs work and restoration and should be preserved.

Just look at these beautiful wood parquet floors. I bet with some sanding and staining, they would breath new life. The original fireplace is still nestled in the corner of the living room.

With glass walls exposed to the intense Southern California sun, the solar gain has taken its toll on the poor home. The bones are still a work of art. Just be prepared to spend money on this trophy mid-century to bring it back to life and into an updated architectural dream home. Just look at the beautiful walnut cabinets in the kitchen. With a little love and care, you can get these babies back in business.

This comes on top of the bidding war sure to happen. As the listing states, "All offers due July 9th ONLY, by 12pm(noon)". Please contact modern homes los angeles to view this home if interested in making an offer. This mid-century modern home was published in the L.A. Times "Home", as well as in "Art and Architecture", 1961. Off of the kitchen is family room.

The master bedroom is quietly and privately found with an adjoining deck. Unfortunately, the master bathroom is in serious need for updating. Interior and exterior deferred maintenance on this mid-century trophy home have to be considered. Again, nothing is impossible, it just takes dollars.

This 1960 mid-century is perched hillside surrounded by Acacia and Pine trees amongst lush landscaping. An additional 500 square feet of outdoor decking allows extra areas to enjoy the city lights with friends.

Listing and photos courtesy Rosemary Low, Sothebys.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Raul F. Garduno Architecture: "The Franks House", 1966

1249 N Tigertail Rd, Brentwood - Raul F. Garduno, architect, "The Franks House", 1966 - $1,900,000

I'm a big fan of architect Raul F. Garduno after discovering another of his works, The Fleming Drefeld House (see photo at bottom) in the Moreno Highlands area of Silver Lake. So, I am happy to see Garduno's The Franks House, pop onto market yesterday. After a few years taken off of the sales market and being rented by the owner, the 1966 mid-century modern comes back to market with a modest increase in pricing. In 2010, the home was offered for $2,295,000 and then reduced to $1,795,000 in 2011. Today, it is being offered for $1,900,000!

Soon after the LA Conservancy's Home Sixties Home homes tour in 2010, the owner placed this hillside post and beam made from California Redwoods. With views overlooking Crestwood Hills Park and out to the ocean, this home should not be missed this time around. I would also like to note it is also is being offered for lease. The first public open house is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, 12-4pm. If you would like to schedule an appointment to see this home, feel free to email me or call me, 213-305-8537.

Upon entry through the carport, you are greeted by mid-century architectural details and a lovely koi pond and garden area. With a wall of glass to allow the outdoors in, the foyer has exposure to natural light and canyon views.

On the lower of three levels, a modest formal library is located with hardwood floors, wood paneled walls and built-in bookshelves. As you climb the floating stairs with some unusual carpet laying treatment, you enter into the main living area on the second floor where the kitchen and living area are found.

Tongue and groove ceiling is supported by redwood beams that are capped with glass walls with two-story high ceilings in some areas. The 2 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom modern tree house is within a total of 2,506 square feet of living space with several terraces and balconies. This home is not really suited for a family, but for a couple or bachelor looking for a place to nest.

The dining area includes a wet bar for all your entertaining needs. The area extends itself out to a deck with planters and plenty of room for guests.

In the living area, the space features a fireplace with original ceramic tile. Wood ceilings and floors merge with glass walls looking out over nature to create a cozy environment.

The kitchen includes walnut cabinets, updated appliances, stainless steel counter tops and a frosted mid-century style jalousie window. There is ceramic tile flooring which extends from the 2nd floor landing and into the kitchen area.

As you climb up to the third floor / sleeping quarters, you enter a light-filled world with skylights and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

The master suite is a cozy and comfortable world with a spacious dressing area and inviting fireplace. On one wall you have floor-to-ceiling glass. On another, you have Shoji screens that separate to allow a birds-eye view of the living area below and beyond, but they also allow diffusion from too much light when closed. Skylights illuminate bath and dressing areas.

I really love how the bathtub allows you to soak and view of nature and what's happening downstairs! As I mentioned before, this home is really an ideal home for a couple or a swinging bachelor due to its layout and floor plan.