3 Cool Houses
Last week you got 3 cool libraries, this week - we're talking about 3 cool houses in LA! The architecture appreciation continues...
In addition to exploring historic libraries of Los Angeles in recent months, I’ve also taken a few tours of historic homes around the city! Read on to learn more about 3 uniquely designed houses in LA - Gamble House, Hollyhock House, and the Neutra VDL House.
Gamble House, Pasadena
Year Opened: 1909
Designed by: Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene
Primary Architectural Design: American Craftsman / Arts & Crafts
Why You Need to Visit: Gamble House is truly a unique sight to see - yes, it’s considered a Craftsman-style home, but Greene & Green were also influenced by Japanese architecture - creating a unique blend of textures and design elements throughout the home. Special touches like stained glass windows and custom designed light fixtures make the house an absolute standout. If you plan to visit - grab a map from the gift shop laying out Greene & Greene’s other projects in the area. The neighborhood behind Gamble House holds 20+ unique homes that are 100% worth a drive by on your way out!
Book a tour HERE
Hollyhock House, East Hollywood
Year Opened: 1967
Designed by: Frank Lloyd Wright
Primary Architectural Design Style: Organic Architecture / Pre-California Modernism / Mayan Revival
Why You Need to Visit: In July 2019, along with seven other buildings designed by Wright in the 20th century, Hollyhock House was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the first time modern American architecture has been recognized on the World Heritage List. It’s also the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Los Angeles! I recommend making a day out of your visit - pick up some breakfast tacos from HomeState down the street + coffees at Go Get ‘Em Tiger, and have a nice picnic on the Barnsdall Art Park lawn just outside the home entrance before your tour. Also - don’t miss the infamous “Big Little Lies” staircase on the back side of the park… real fans will know what I’m referring to ;)
Book a tour HERE
Neutra VDL House, Silver Lake
Year Opened: 1932, rebuilt in 1963 after a fire destroyed the original structure (more on that HERE)
Designed by: Richard & Dion Neutra (I told you I’d be revisiting the Neutras, didn’t I? :)
Primary Architectural Design Style: Biorealist / Brutalist / Modernist
Why You Need to Visit: Neutra makes a second appearance in a TTS newsletter! He is a California architecture icon, after all. Though I will say the Central Library has my heart, the VDL house overlooking the Silver Lake reservoir is absolutely worth a visit. Harkening back to Neutra’s “biorealist” perspective, this house feels very ingrained in nature and uses many different techniques to pull in elements of the outdoors. There is a very peaceful ambiance as you tour the house. Grab a coffee and a pastry down the road at La Mill and enjoy a peaceful walk around the reservoir after your tour!
Book a tour HERE
Reply directly to this email with your favorite house of the three or another house I should be touring in LA! And as always … be sure to subscribe and share my newsletter :) see you next week!