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The distinguished Hendershot House, a prime example of Richard Neutra’s masterful mid-century modern architecture, has been listed for sale at $5,950,000. Located at 2866 Westbrook Avenue in the exclusive Upper Nichols Canyon enclave of the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, this architectural marvel, built in 1962, offers a rare opportunity for discerning buyers to acquire a piece of Southern California’s celebrated design heritage. This marks only the second time the property has come to market since its original construction, underscoring its exceptional rarity and enduring appeal. The residence spans 3,371 square feet, featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms, set on a 0.12-acre lot meticulously integrated into its natural surroundings.
A Testament to Neutra’s Vision: Blending Architecture with Nature
Richard Neutra, an Austrian-American architect, stands as a titan of modernist architecture, particularly celebrated for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern movement in Southern California. His work is characterized by a profound commitment to "biorealism," a philosophy emphasizing the harmonious integration of human habitation with the natural environment. The Hendershot House, completed in 1962, epitomizes this philosophy at its most refined. Neutra’s designs often featured expansive glass walls, open floor plans, and a careful consideration of site-specific conditions, all aimed at fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. He believed that architecture should serve as a therapeutic backdrop for human life, promoting well-being through light, air, and views.
The Hendershot House exemplifies these core tenets. Neutra’s signature elements are evident throughout: "ribbon windows" that artfully frame views while maintaining privacy, "deep overhangs" providing essential solar shading and defining outdoor living areas, and "full-height sliding glass walls" that dissolve the boundary between the interior and the sloping canyon site. The property’s strategic placement, nestled amidst native trees and canyon plantings, showcases Neutra’s unparalleled ability to respond masterfully to challenging topographies. This integration is not merely aesthetic; it’s functional, allowing the house to breathe with its environment, harnessing natural light and ventilation. The importance of the Hendershot House within Neutra’s oeuvre is further solidified by its inclusion in Dr. Barbara Lamprecht’s authoritative Taschen monograph on the architect’s complete works, cementing its status as a significant historical and architectural artifact.
A Living Evolution: A Legacy Maintained and Enhanced
What truly distinguishes the Hendershot House is its remarkable "living evolution," a testament to its enduring design and the continuous stewardship it has received. The original 1962 structure by Richard Neutra laid the foundational principles of modern living integrated with nature. However, the home has gracefully adapted over the decades, seeing thoughtful expansions that respect and extend Neutra’s original vision.
In 1982, Dion Neutra, Richard Neutra’s son and a renowned architect in his own right, undertook an addition to the property. This was a significant development, as Dion had worked closely with his father and carried forward many of the Neutra office’s architectural principles. His involvement ensured that any new elements would be sympathetic to the existing structure and maintain the integrity of the original design ethos. Later, in 1994, lead project architect John Blanton contributed further, adding another layer to the home’s architectural narrative, ensuring its functionality and aesthetic relevance continued to evolve without compromising its historical significance.
Most recently, the current owner, Eve Steele, embarked on an extensive two-year rehabilitation project. This meticulous restoration was not merely a cosmetic update but a deep dive into the home’s history, guided by original archival drawings and correspondence from the Hendershot estate and UCLA archives. This commitment to historical accuracy, combined with a forward-thinking approach to modern living, is a hallmark of truly responsible architectural stewardship. Steele’s rehabilitation aimed to rejuvenate the home’s original splendor while seamlessly integrating contemporary amenities and efficiencies. This process underscores a crucial aspect of preserving modernist architecture: understanding that these homes are not static museums but dynamic spaces intended for active living, capable of evolving with the needs of their inhabitants while retaining their core identity.
Contemporary Interiors and Outdoor Harmony
The results of the recent rehabilitation are evident throughout the Hendershot House, presenting a residence that is both historically irreplaceable and eminently livable for the 21st century. The entry level now features an expanded kitchen and dining area, a masterful transformation that repurposed the original carport into a vibrant, functional heart of the home. This area, designed for both casual family meals and elegant entertaining, flows effortlessly into a library, offering a quiet retreat, and a spacious living room anchored by a welcoming fireplace. This level also houses a serene primary suite, complete with a luxurious bath and a well-appointed dressing room, providing a private sanctuary for relaxation.
Ascending to the second level reveals three additional bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed, complemented by three full bathrooms, ensuring comfort and privacy for residents and guests alike. A second living room on this level, featuring its own fireplace and a stylish bar, offers versatile space for entertainment or a more informal gathering area, alongside a convenient laundry facility.
Perhaps one of the most compelling features lies on the lower level, where a flexible office or gym space opens through expansive glass walls to a broad wooden terrace. This unique design element directly engages with the property’s most enchanting natural asset: a rare Los Angeles natural creek and the tranquil wooded arroyo it feeds. This integration ensures that even while working or exercising, occupants are immersed in the soothing sounds and sights of nature, a direct fulfillment of Neutra’s biorealist principles.
Beyond the structural and spatial enhancements, the home boasts a suite of premium finishes and modern conveniences. Rich hardwood floors extend throughout, complemented by elegant floating stairs that serve as sculptural elements within the open plan. Four distinct outdoor decks provide multiple vantage points and opportunities for alfresco living, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding canyon landscape. Crucially, the rehabilitation included new foundation walls, a full security system, an EV-ready two-car garage, and fully updated mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring the home is not only aesthetically magnificent but also robust, secure, and energy-efficient.
The Enduring Value of Architectural Masterpieces in the Luxury Market
The listing of the Hendershot House at $5,950,000 speaks volumes about the enduring value and increasing demand for architecturally significant properties, particularly those from the Mid-Century Modern era, within the highly competitive Los Angeles luxury real estate market. Homes designed by luminaries such as Richard Neutra are not merely residences; they are cultural assets, often considered collectible works of art. Their scarcity, combined with their historical provenance and unique aesthetic, positions them as premium investments.
In a market often driven by square footage and amenities, properties like the Hendershot House command attention due to their architectural integrity and the story they tell. The meticulous, historically informed rehabilitation undertaken by Eve Steele significantly enhances this value proposition. Such restorations ensure that the original vision of the architect is preserved while adapting the home to contemporary standards of comfort and technology. This balance is crucial for attracting sophisticated buyers who appreciate both heritage and modern functionality.
The setting in Upper Nichols Canyon, an affluent and serene enclave known for its natural beauty and privacy, further contributes to the property’s desirability. The presence of a natural creek and extensive native landscaping offers a rare connection to nature in an urban environment, a feature highly sought after in Los Angeles.
For prospective buyers, owning the Hendershot House represents more than just acquiring a luxury home; it is an opportunity to become a custodian of an important piece of architectural history. The market for these types of properties tends to be resilient, attracting a global clientele of architectural enthusiasts, art collectors, and individuals who prioritize design excellence and a unique lifestyle over conventional luxury. The fact that it has only exchanged hands once before its current listing underscores its exceptional appeal and the deep connection its previous owners had to its legacy. The sale of the Hendershot House will undoubtedly serve as another benchmark in the ongoing narrative of appreciating and preserving modernist masterpieces in Southern California.
