Sophisticated In SoCal: Midcentury Masterpiece Lands On The Market For $8.58M

It isn’t often that a classic, midcentury modern estate of this size and stature hits the market. In this case, it’s once in a generation—the Richard H. Keating House, built by famed architect Edward H. Fickett, was last purchased in 2002. The San Marino, CA, property was recently listed for $8.58 million. Built in 1962, the six-bedroom, six-bath, single-story residence sits on a gated, 1.2-acre lot and includes a tennis court, heated pool and spa, and a remarkable pool house.

The flat lot is exquisitely landscaped by Edward Koizumi, with water features; Japanese structures; wide-open lawns; and private, intimate sanctuary gardens and meditation space, including an interior atrium.

Modernist methods

The interior of the 5,670-square-foot main residence features classic elements of California modernism, such as open-beamed, vaulted ceilings supported by brick and glass walls, with clerestory windows that usher in an abundance of natural light.

The midcentury modern floor plans were the inspiration for the style that is so popular today. The great room flows into the kitchen that extends almost seamlessly—through walls of glass and sliders—to the impeccably designed outdoor areas. The layout is a perfect example of what renovators and homeowners alike have valued for decades since.

The bedrooms abound with more natural light and have multiple windows and sliders that open to patios. One of the bedrooms has been converted to a yoga sanctuary.

The home is also ready for business, with a two-room office and conference suite.

The one-bedroom, one-bath pool house, with a kitchenette, is no afterthought. It is rife with Fickett signatures, including its unique roofline and multi-planed, triangular panels, boarded by clerestory windows above walls of glass and brick.

Fickett, a Los Angeles native who died in 1999 at age 83, was a housing consultant to the federal government and architecture advisor to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In addition to designing more than 40,000 post-war tract homes, he created plans for numerous, iconic Southern California landmarks, including Dodger Stadium, Edwards Air Force Base, and the Port of Los Angeles Passenger and Cargo Terminals.

Source: www.realtor.com

Author: Lisa Johnson Mandell