8 Architecturally Interesting Homes on the Market Now

Ranging from an International-Style estate designed by Thornton M. Abell in the much sought-after Santa Monica Canyon to a 1910 Italian Renaissance Revival in Pasadena, our newest listings stand out from the rest. Each one is architecturally interesting in its own way, and they all offer something unique. Whether it's modern design with clean lines, Victorian charm, or something in between, these homes have something for everyone. Take a look and see which one of these architectural gems is perfect for you.

Santa Monica Canyon | International-Style Estate

247 Amalfi Drive | $10,500,000

Originally designed by Case Study Architect Thornton M. Abell in the International-style in 1951, for a couple and their two sons, the house was realized at the time through two stages for economic reasons. Eventually, a main house with three bedrooms, a separate art studio (flexible to be an office or a gym), plus a guest house above the garage were completed. The structures are strategically placed on a unique for the Canyon oversized street-to-street lot maximizing light and embracing nature forming a private compound environment. The current owner, a talented thoughtful architect rebuilt the house from the ground up over a five-year period, extrapolating on the original footprint and plans by Thornton M. Abell, using 21st-century materials enhanced by top International standards of construction and all expected modern conveniences. The impressive public spaces are delineated by the board-formed indoor/outdoor concrete walls, built-in oak cabinetry throughout, and radiant heated floors. There are three bedrooms, including the luxurious main suite on the upper level facing the gardens with a partial view of the Pacific Ocean close by. The additional two bedrooms, on the main level, are separated by a movable wall for flexibility of usage. The guest house studio, above the garage, is of equal quality to the main house and offers a quiet and multi-functional space. The artist studio/office/gym is a third separate structure with easy access to the street to be utilized as an autonomous and private workspace. A two-car garage and additional two parking spaces are on site. The land runs street to street and the house can be accessed from either Sage Lane or Amalfi Drive with structures connected for flexibility by an elevator and custom hardscape. Solar panels supply the house with a sky deck for enjoying the views and also insulates by offering practical nourishment. The home and grounds are controlled and unified by a simple to use Control 4 automation system.

La Cañada Flintridge | Modern Masterpiece

305 Oriole Road | $6,980,000

A modern masterpiece, presenting you with an equestrian-esque, breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The location known for its ravishing, charming, yet private estates within the prime La Cañada Flintridge area is an encumbrance compared to this flawless beauty. Property safeguarded, surrounded by wrought iron gates, opening up to 28,000 square feet of luxurious and flat grounds, featured by detailed landscapes of glamour with a grandiose fountain, and all-around gorgeous appeal. The entrance consists of a glass double door opening to beautiful inlaid marble flooring. An open floor plan within home entry joints adjacent pathways to bedrooms, living rooms, second floor, dining rooms, family room and kitchen. The aesthetics of all custom-made molding, wainscoting walls, and coffered ceilings are detailed throughout the home all concurrently elevating the house showcase. Equipped with a full bar, glass cabinets, large wood island, excellent appliances, built-in fridges, built-in coffee machine, glass wine fridge and separate freezer; this grand and spacious masterpiece is perfect for friends and family gatherings. Its grand statements are accentuated by the enormous fireplace(s) and vast lines of lavish marble countertops. This beautiful home features seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, each with at least a walk-in closet. The spacious upper level can be used for entertainment and gym purposes. The backyard awaits, with its lavish - oversized patio, built-in BBQ, pool and Jacuzzi, covered gazebo with firepit, sitting areas, basketball court, and elegant gravel paths. A three-car garage, open grounding fitting at least six, this truly remarkable home is divine; not to mention, located in the award-winning La Cañada School District. 

Pacific Palisades | Finn Kappe, A.I.A. 1992

390 Vance Street | $5,850,000

Designed by Finn Kappe and completed in 1992, the site originally housed a small historical Spanish structure which was honored by preserving the facade. The residence, however, is a two-story modern semi-industrial loft-like structure, as expected with the impressive lineage of the Kappe name. Constructed mostly of cinder block and glass, the house is warmly contrasted with oak floors and timbered doors. Sited on a rim of a private lane, overlooking Rustic-Santa Monica Canyons, the house captures expansive green belt and urban views in all directions while flooded with natural light. Centering the house is the dramatic, voluminous, living room and fireplace set against the two-story glass wall embracing the canyon backdrop. The main, upper level includes the comfortable loft-like open kitchen, dining/family room wing connecting seamlessly to the outdoor deck and gardens. On the Northern side, on the same level, a large open private space and bath offer the flexibility of a main bedroom suite or flex space. On the lower level, the inviting living/family room divides the main bedroom suite plus two additional bedrooms and bath. All of the rooms open to the terraced gardens or decks through the floor-to-ceiling wooden doors and custom steel encased windows. The domicile is centrally located in close proximity to Canyon Square, Canyon Elementary, the Pacific Palisades Village, Santa Monica proper, the Santa Monica Conservancy Mountains, and State Beach.

Los Feliz | Mid-Century Ranch

2040 East Live Oak Drive | $4,495,000

Rare c.1952 Mid-Century Ranch home sited on over a half acre of flat land in celebrity-studded Los Feliz Oaks. Enveloped in park-like grounds this chic single-level three bed, three bath oasis is soaked in natural light. Restored and revived for the true California lifestyle, providing a resort-like vibe and seamless floor plan for entertaining. The heart of the home offers an expansive chef-style kitchen with an effortless transition between interior spaces and outdoor amenities/grounds. The primary bedroom with an en suite spa-like bathroom, walk-in closet, and outdoor cedar soaking tub is tucked in a secluded corner of the lot. Two additional bedrooms and bathrooms complete the main house. A dramatic swimmers pool positioned in the best location for direct sunlight throughout the day is surrounded by multiple areas for entertaining and respite. The finished 400 square foot garage provides a flexible space for a home office/gym or studio with direct access to the grounds. Plans for an additional 1,100 square foot ADU are included. Seemingly an oasis unto itself, this spectacular gated and fully fenced property provides a restorative oasis from the hustle and bustle. Located at the base of Griffith Park convenient to the abundant hiking trails along with distinctive dining, shopping, and nightlife of Los Feliz and Silver Lake.

Pasadena | 1910 Italian Renaissance Revival

3060 East San Pasqual Street | $3,800,000

This stunning 1910 gated Italian Renaissance Revival estate has been impeccably done with exquisite finishes and luxurious appointments throughout. The stately property is an architectural beauty and registered as a historic landmark, offering significant tax savings for the buyer through the Mills Act. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a true Pasadena treasure. The magnificent five bedroom, five bathroom home, with two bonus structures on the parcel, is filled with the elegance and grace of a bygone era. The residence sits back under tall, old-growth trees and has a welcoming circular drive that beckons you to the central entry that leads up to the hand-crafted oak door. The home is ideal for entertaining with its inviting front foyer, a substantial dining room, a lovely living room, a grand family room, a charming library or study, a quaint breakfast room, as well as a fully remodeled kitchen with everything a gourmet chef could desire. The upgrades are more than skin deep with updated plumbing, electrical, and sewer. The sleeping spaces offer one bedroom on the lower level and four bedrooms upstairs, including the retreat-like, light-filled, primary suite that features bird's eye maple cabinets, an oversized walk-in closet with built-ins, as well as windows overlooking the serene rear gardens. The lot has two additional living areas on-site. They are a 958 square foot guest house with a bathroom, decorative fireplace, and a bedroom mezzanine that would be perfect as a studio or office and, also, an original, 358 square foot, three-story water tower. It has been used as a playroom space, a party spot and, for one family, as their own private pub. The outdoor space is truly exceptional and showcases a resort-like landscape. Due to its exceptional scale and layout, the residence has been used to host fundraisers, galas, concerts for various charities as well as educational events for the Huntington Library. The yard makes one feel as if you are in a verdant, shade-dappled, hidden park with areas for recreation, relaxation, celebrating or, simply, quiet reflection. There is an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue and cooking area in addition to several peaceful patios. Lastly, there is a covered porch with an atrium off the rear of the first floor, that wraps the lower level of the estate, allowing access from the numerous sets of French doors that open out from the interior. No detail has been overlooked. Don’t miss this jewel in our fair Crown City.

Laurel Canyon | Sun-drenched 1930s Spanish

8754 Arlene Terrace | $2,499,000

Perched in idyllic Laurel Canyon on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 1930s Spanish is flooded with natural light and original charm. Upon entering, a wood burning fireplace anchors the living room with its walls of glass that lead to the oversized terrace. Through the arches, a separate dining room off of the kitchen opens up to the side garden. Canopies of lush green from every window. Downstairs features three of the four bedrooms. The newly added primary suite with soaring walls of glass, an oversized en suite, and Fleetwood doors leading to the yard. Fully owned Tesla Solar Panels. Grapefruit, lime, apricot, mandarin, olive and lemon trees among others on this oversized, park-like yard. Gated, private and serene. This fun, inspiring property is the definition of the Laurel Canyon lifestyle.

Monrovia | The F.W. Burr Residence, 1894

150 North Myrtle Avenue | $1,900,000

The F.W. Burr residence, 1894. First public offering. Constructed in 1894 by the Burr family, the three-story, seven-bedroom Victorian is part stately city house, part relaxed farmhouse. It stands on the northern end of Myrtle Avenue where it’s quieter and residential. Finished in well-maintained clapboard siding and fishlap shingles in a subtle color palette, the home’s  large original double-hung windows invite plenty of natural light and mountain views; beautiful period wood detailing, wood floors, and twelve-foot-tall ceilings provide both texture and airiness. Features range from the ground floor workshop of the later two-story carriage house that accommodates up to six cars (complete with a professional walk-in pit for underbelly work) to a working sauna and a living/bedroom suite on the third floor. The home’s main floor includes a bright, sunny double living room with ornate fireplace; an original wood door between the two parts allows you to close off part of the space for different activities. Across the hall, the wood paneled office with built-in bookshelves and a fireplace, feeling like an old-fashioned doctor’s office, is a cocoon promising quiet time and focus. Much of the woodwork throughout the entire house reflects the meticulous care of the decades-long owners, who were determined to bring only the best craftsmanship and period-appropriate detailing throughout the entire house, down to the working turn-of-the-century intercom system (now electric) and light fixtures. Another example is the huge wine cellar occupying a good deal of the rambling basement, handmade in redwood by the master carpenter.

Pasadena | 1931 Spanish

2240 East Mountain Street | $1,285,000

Beautifully situated on a tree-lined street with views of the San Gabriel Valley Mountains, this 1931 single-story Spanish boasts with character and original features. Upon entering the home you are welcomed by its original wood-burning fireplace showcased with decorative tile. You immediately notice the wood-trimmed windows including the oversized arched window making the living room both inviting and picturesque. High-coved ceilings with Spanish plaster are just one of many stunning features that catch your eye. Beautifully refinished original hardwood floors spread through the majority of the home providing a cohesive look. The formal dining room is grounded by a Spanish-style chandelier and flows seamlessly into the kitchen and breakfast nook area. The kitchen is nicely updated with granite countertops and white cabinetry. You will see stainless steel appliances throughout including a four-burner range and French door refrigerator. A spacious laundry room is found adjacent to the kitchen that includes access to the home's California basement. The primary suite is situated on the south side of the home and features large white-trimmed windows that bring in an abundance of natural light. Right off the primary bedroom is a three-quarter bathroom that has been updated with a newer vanity and fresh paint. The home includes two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. The full bathroom features a black and white floor tile, an arched shower entry, and a separate bathtub. Off of one of the bedrooms is a bonus office area with built-in arched shelving. This space could have a variety of uses including an office or study, a library, or a quaint nursery. At the end of the long driveway lined with camellia bushes, you will find a detached two-car garage in addition to a large grass and patio area. Additional features of the home include updated copper plumbing and redone electrical. Located in one of Pasadena’s most sought-after neighborhoods this home is in close proximity to Victory Park, Pasadena Farmer’s market, and Hastings Ranch shops and dining. This home is on the market for the first time ever! It was built in 1931 and has been in the same family since.