Open House Obsession: Three Mid-Century Moderns in Hollywood Hills

We've picked three Mid-Century Modern houses– important to LA's design history, but with slightly dubious renovations– easily covered in an afternoon. A little post-brunch schadenfreude.

2427 Solar Drive, Sunset Strip/Hollywood Hills West, $1.795M

For the lovers of pleated roofs. Originally listed in August for $1.875M (despite having been purchased in 2007 for over $1.9M) this 3-bed, 2-bath house high in the Hollywood Hills is the much-published "Sunbow House" by Val Powellson. About all that remains is the iconic roofline. A lot of work done, including the typical high-end LA baths and kitchens that look good but could be anywhere. Open Sunday November 4 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM

1498 Sunset Plaza Drive, Sunset Strip/Hollywood Hills West, $2.585M

Once the home of Mid-Century furniture and lighting designer Greta Magnusson Grossman, this house was recently re-scripted as a kind of luxury retreat overlooking LA and it's been on the market since April. We're loving the deep, framed  fireplaces. The main house was built in 1956, plus there's a guest house with an '80s vibe. Grossman's lovable, spindly-legged lighting fixtures have had something of a revival, part of a renewed interest in Scandinavian designers not named Wegner, Poulsen or Frank. Open Sunday November 4 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM

7316 Caverna Drive, Sunset Strip/Hollywood Hills West, $1.495

We had a look at John Lautner's Bergren a few weeks ago, and it could use some love. The splendid mastaba of a fireplace wall is still there but the rest of the place needs some serious editing. Sometimes, you really do have to get rid of everything you own. Open Sunday November 4 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM

 

We've picked three Mid-Century Modern houses– important to LA's design history, but with slightly dubious renovations– open on Sunday and easily covered in an afternoon. A little post-brunch schadenfreude, with more images at the listing links.

For the lovers of pleated roofs. Originally listed in August for $1.875M (despite having been purchased in 2007 for over $1.9M.) Built in 1960, this 3-bed, 2-bath house high in the Hollywood Hills is the much-published "Sunbow House" by Val Powellson, images of which inspired people move to California. About all that remains is the iconic roofline (above) with a lot of work done inside, including the typical high-end LA baths and kitchens that look good but could be anywhere. Still adorable, and worth a look.

Once the home of Mid-Century furniture and lighting designer Greta Magnusson Grossman, this house was recently re-scripted as a kind of luxury retreat overlooking LA and it's been on the market since April. We're loving the deep, framed fireplaces (there's another in the master bedroom.) The main house was built in 1956, plus there's a guest house with an '80s vibe. Grossman's lovable, spindly-legged lighting fixtures have had something of a revival, part of a renewed interest in Scandinavian designers not named Wegner, Poulsen or Frank.

We had a look at John Lautner's Bergren a few weeks ago, and it could use some love. The splendid mastaba of a fireplace wall is still there but the rest of the place needs some serious editing. Sometimes, you really do have to get rid of everything you own.