The 3,172-square-foot house in La Canada Flintridge, California, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son, Frank Lloyd Wright Jr.
"There's not a single rectangular line in the house-everything is designed on a diagonal grid," says Sharon Verani of Sotheby's International Realty's Pasadena brokerage department, who listed the property for sale with Mark Ogden." I've never lived in a house like this and I don't know if I ever will. It's like you're living in a work of art in a beautiful natural setting.
In designing the space, the younger Wright was clearly inspired by his father's signature Usonian style, which includes horizontal lines, prismatic concrete walls, wide glass panels, and a striking roofline.
An asymmetrical fireplace in the living room and a built-in sofa in the den are also commendable design elements.
The stylish home sits on 0.68 acres and boasts a built-in barbecue, diagonal patio and rectangular reflecting pool. The sellers bought the property in 2016 for $2.2 million, according to the Realtor.com® website.
While the architecturally significant home has been thoughtfully updated with modern comforts, its historic features remain intact.
Villani says, "The architect did such a great job that you can't tell what's original and what's not." It was a seamless restoration and very tasteful. It fits perfectly with Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr.'s design intent, and it flows very well.
The home's kitchen is now modernised with black walnut cabinets, stainless steel countertops and a six-burner Viking cooker.
Other improvements include updated systems, built-ins in one bedroom, and new French doors throughout. Solar panels and an electric vehicle charger are two particularly notable additions.
The open floor plan consists of three distinct areas: the living space, the kitchen and dining area, and the bedroom wing.
Villani says, "The main suites are on the north side of the house." He notes that the bedrooms have a walk-in wardrobe, sitting area with fireplace, and bathroom with dual sinks and separate tub and shower.
So, architecture enthusiasts aside, what kind of buyer is likely to buy this house? La Canada Flintridge is an attraction in its own right, as is this particular neighbourhood.
"It has great schools and it's relatively quiet," Villani said. The area where this house is located is very peaceful. It feels like it's far away from Los Angeles, but it's really not that far. We're targeting people who want to love it and preserve it.
Because of the house's historical significance, it has been designated for protection under the California Mills Act, which is associated with the California Office of Historic Preservation. This provides the owner with certain property tax benefits and supports continued preservation.
