Fickett Times Two

Two homes by noted California architect Edward Fickett have suddenly come on the market this week in the Hollywood Hills. Fickett, who died in 1999, was known not only for such projects as Spago, Dodger Stadium and Mammoth Mountain House, but for the California modern style he brought to the design of so many homes. His signature would seem to have been bringing the outdoors inside-an openness that incorporates Southern California's greatest natural asset. His homes were much more numerous than say Neutra or Ain and seemed to have been aimed at a wider audience: the upper middle class family as opposed to the collector. Both of these homes are great examples of his strengths and both were built in 1959.

The first Fickett, tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, remains remarkably true to it original style. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths in 2,400 square feet with great yards both front and rear. Asking price is $1,425,000.

There's an openeness and a simplicty to the finishes that demonstrate mid-century design at it's best, not to mention a great pool out back.

The second Fickett has been reimagined to create Fickett to the Nth degree.

The design emphasizes Fickett's style to the point of magnifying it, bringing it into the new century.

For collectors of mid-century furnishings, it's a dream come true. The public spaces of the house are all open to each other, built around a center, glass atrium. There are 4 bedrooms with 3 1/2 baths in 2,500 square feet.

Here it becomes clear that Fickett's art was not only in bringing the outside inside, but in exposing the inside to the outside as well; a piece of art to be enjoyed from both vantage points. Asking price on this one is $1,895,000.
If you'd like further information and more pictures, don't hesitate to email me at james4man@gmail.com. And don't forget, you can subscribe via email by just clicking the link below.
Jamie Foreman

Those Wright boys...Like Father, Like Son

Given that you can count on one hand the number of houses is Los Angeles designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it's extraordinary that currently, in Los Feliz, one of his creations is on the market as well as one nearby designed by his son, Lloyd Wright.
  Let's start with the Lloyd Wright:

Lloyd Wright's creation, sited directly on Franklin Avenue, is built around a center court swimming pool. It's brilliant-the living room at one end and the master bedroom at the other,  facing the pool, as do the rooms and hallways along the sides, which are glassed and open to that courtyard. There are 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and a heavy Mayan temple influence, very much like the house his Dad designed.

Okay, he copied his Dad, but at least he had a good example, and isn't that the sincerest form of flattery? The house has been restored and renovated by a local designer, who shall remain nameless for the moment; I'm not sure his bathrooms truly reflect the originals and I have to say it is the most over-linened house I've ever been in, but the work is generally respectful and top-of-the-line. It is truly an architectural statement and a very liveable house at the same time. Asking price is $4,200,000.

Also on the market is Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis-Brown house, in the hills of Los Feliz, and it is staggering. It was designed for Charles and Mabel Ennis and built in 1924. In 1940 Wright returned to oversee the addition of a pool, a north terrace, a billiard room and a heating system (good move). It is one of Wright's designs of interlocked, pre-cast concrete blocks, made from the earth excavated from the building site-does that make it one of the earliest 'green' construction projects? Probably not, as there really is nothing practical about this house. But as you stand in the very center of it, surrounded by Wright designed stained glass and rich wood, looking out at the mountains on one side and the whole city on the other, with downtown L.A. glimmering off in the distance like Oz, you can't help but get the chills.  It is nothing short of brilliant. There certainly is a huge amount of work to do here, which won't be either easy or cheap (it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark as well). But when you finish, you will have one of the worlds' great residences, one in which you cannot help but feel the history of Los Angeles all around you.

The practical information is that the house is about 6,000 square feet, and there are chauffeur's quarters also across the driveway, above the garage; currently 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. But that may all seem secondary, as 'practical' would never be a word to describe this house. Full Disclosure: I visited the Ennis-Brown house 13 years ago with my son's second grade class; they were studying architecture that year when they weren't learning to read and count. At that point, Mr. Brown was still living there; he bought the house years earlier and then 'gave' it to USC I believe for tax purposes and most likely because he couldn't afford the upkeep. While I was in total awe of the house, most of the 8 year olds were terribly unimpressed. They only asked two questions of the lovely docent who showed us around: 1) Why does Mr. Brown have TWO answering machines? and 2) Does Mr. Brown own a gun?  We left shortly after that second question.

  The current asking price for this house if $5,999,000 which certainly seems more reasonable than the $15,000,000 price tag it had when it came on the market a year ago.

  If you'd like further information or full pictures of either of these incredible homes, just email me at: james4man@gmail.com.

   Jamie Foreman

Drives Me Crazy- Part 2

I can't help it-great architecture drives me crazy. No, actually the opposite is true-it calms me down.  Currently on the market is one of the original "Hollywoodland" homes in Beachwood Canyon (see picture above of what the area and this house looked like at the time). Sited on a promontory (with an extra lot included in the purchase) this 1926 Tudor has wonderful views and light and stunning orignal details. The living room has 13' ceilings and, of course, a woodburning fireplace, not to mention windows on three sides. In fact, as was typical of homes of the era, all rooms have windows on at least two sides. Besides the living room, dining room and a fantastic cook's kitchen, the first floor also includes an office overlooking the gardens and a separate guest suite. Upstairs there are two bedrooms suites with glorious views and impeccably tiled original baths. A classic dream come true, asking $1,579,000.
  Email me at james4man@gmail.com if you'd like full information and pictures.
Jamie Foreman

Drives Me Crazy-Part 1

 

Great architecture drives me crazy! And it's not so easy to find. In fact, more often than not, we have to go back in time to find the very best. The very best always turns out to be the most classic. For example, this 1936 Streamline Moderne, designed by William Kesling and located in the hills of Silver Lake. Kesling was an interesting guy; he had his ups and downs business-wise, but his designs are pure 30's Deco and their purity holds up today. There are only a few of his homes in Silver Lake and this one is currently on the market for $885,000. The current owner has maintained his design perfectly while revising the kitchen superbly using SubZero, Viking and Bosch appliances and adding central air conditioning. There are 3 bedrooms, one of which would make a perfect office with it's own private entrance, and one bath (with space for another off the master bedroom). There are open city views and brilliant light all day. The total effect his hypnotic.
  Email me at james4man@gmail.com if you'd like complete information and pictures. "Kesling Modern Structures" is available through Amazon.com.
  Jamie Foreman

Take two, they're small......

. ..actually, they're not small at all and they are SPECTACULAR. This compound consists of two magnificent Outpost Estates Spanish homes plus garage with one bedroom guest unit. The 'north' house is beautifully redone with a very contemporary slant; the 'south' house is the best restoration I've seen on a classic Spanish, anywhere. Every detail is beautifully done and never overdone. This is California architecture at its very best. The compound is currently 'celebrity owned' and both houses have had a number of celebrity owners over the years including (age test:) Lee J. Cobb, who owned the 'north' house at one point. Asking price for the compound is $11,495,000; owner will sell the 'south' house for 7,900,000. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to live here, but should you know anyone for whom it might be right, have them call me and you can email me at james4man@gmail.com for details or for a link to see the video tour.
 Jamie Foreman

Get Out Your Toolkit........

Two worthwhile fixers came on the market this week; both need absolutely everything to be redone but, given their locations, each should have a huge upside:

1070 N. Hillcrest is in the Trousdale section of Beverly Hills, just far enough to give you a great city view but close enough that you don't have to pack a lunch to get there. Original design by Paul Williams; 3 bedrooms plus maid's suite in a great, flowing layout. The stone fireplace may be the only element you'll want to save and possibly the pool. Given the cost of other homes in Trousdale, it is priced extremely well at $3,495,000.

245 S. Plymouth Blvd is in the Windsor Square section of Hancock Park and just a very short walk to Larchmont Blvd. Lovely 1921 traditional, with 3 bedrooms plus maid's suite on a lot just shy of 10,000 square feet. "Great bones" as they say, and isn't that how we'd all like to be described? By far the best price in the neighborhood at $1,269,000.

If these are of any interest, don't hesitate to call me at 323-314-1906 or email at james4man@gmail.com.  And scroll to the bottom to follow this blog by email!

 Jamie Foreman

The Perfect Hollywood Hills Spanish

What suits Los Angeles more than a 1931 Spanish, perched above Sunset Blvd, in pristine condition with a beautiful pool? Built on three floors, including a family room with wetbar that opens to the pool and spa, top floor master bedroom and light-filled office/study on the main floor.  3 bedrooms, 3 baths, approximately 3,400 square feet. Everything, including the baths, has been meticulously restored. Asking $2,195,000.
Jamie Foreman
323-314-1906





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