Designed by famed architects, these exceptional for-sale California properties are forever classics.
Lush greenery enhances the backyard at the Sten Frenke House
126 MABERY ROAD, SANTA MONICA
The dining area’s abundant windows invite Mother Nature in.
Named the Sten Frenke House and registered as Historic Cultural Landmark No. 647, this coastal Californian gem commissioned by Ukrainian actress Anna Sten and husband Dr. Eugene Frenke combines cutting-edge and timeless styles seamlessly. Constructed of glass with streams of light pouring in, this three-bedroom, four-bathroom 1934 manse by Richard Neutra features an ozonated pool, Pacific views and more. Two recent renovations ensure the tucked-away property remains as crisp and clean as Neutra intended, with amenities including a three-car garage; a sauna; a hot yoga room; and a two-bedroom, three-bathroom guesthouse by Johnston Marklee. $15 million, Billy Rose, the Agency, 310.650.2999, theagencyre.com
2325 SAN YSIDRO DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS
The pool at this Chris Choate-designed Beverly Hills home is easily accessible
Designed by architect Chris Choate—who partnered with Clift May on many large Southern California projects and built homes for celebrities including Clark Gable—this midcentury marvel was completed in 1960. Adorned with warm wood paneling and lush landscaping, the property sits on a private, oversize lot in Beverly Hills. In addition to the four bedrooms and three bathrooms, future homeowners can enjoy a pond, a pool and an eye-catching fireplace, along with state-of-the-art tiling, concrete countertops and clean white walls. $2.9 million, Billy Rose, the Agency, 310.650.2999, theagencyre.com
In the open-concept living room, numerous large windows bring the outside in seamlessly.
10250 W. SUNSET BLVD., HOLMBY HILLS
The dazzling living room is equally glam.
The bigger, the better—at least that’s the case with this stunning home by famed architect Paul R. Williams. Deemed one of his largest projects, the approximately 30,000-square-foot 1939 estate was last bought by the late BCBGMAXAZRIA and Hervé Léger founder Max Azria and his wife, Lubov. Located on 3 picturesque acres in Holmby Hills, the home has many quirks, including secret doorways encapsulating a gold-domed poker room and a movie theater designed by Sidney Sheldon. The green onyx-lined primary bedroom dazzles onlookers almost as much as the silver-leaf ceiling in the dining room. Outside, there’s a glass-walled tennis court with its own personal viewing box, and inside the pool house, a Moroccan-style hammam. Also of note are the Japanese-inspired gardens. $85 million, Tomer Fridman, Compass Real Estate; Mick Partridge, Hilton & Hyland, 310.919.1038, thefridmangroup.com
The dining room in this Holmby Hills estate is covered in silver leaf
111 N. MAPLETON DRIVE, HOLMBY HILLS
This Paul R. Williams home offers many plush amenities
Nothing says golden-age opulence quite like this 13,638-square-foot Paul R. Williams home, constructed of fine marble and wood and surrounded by lush hedges. Updated by acclaimed builder Richard Manion, the estate has entertaining areas galore, including a massage parlor, a theater and a guesthouse equipped with its own entrance. The classic chef’s kitchen is accompanied by multiple fine dining rooms, while the wine room is the perfect place to sip on some vintages. Outside, an array of amenities await, including a championship-style tennis court and a swimming pool and spa. $48 million, Branden Williams and Rayni Williams, the Beverly Hills Estates, 310.626.4248, thebeverlyhillsestates.com
Including a lavish bar and a luxurious theater.
2465 WINTER SUN DRIVE, PALM SPRINGS
Architect Ray Kappe’s last residential project is for sale in Palm Springs
Ray Kappe’s last residential design project brings the essence of midcentury design to life in a relatable, contemporary way. Nestled in Desert Palisades, a gated community, this three-bedroom, four-bathroom modern masterpiece offers unbeatable views of the entire Coachella Valley, capturing mountain ranges, desert landscape, city lights and more. Constructed of poured concrete floors—plus steel, glass and teak—the clean-lined design and architecture blends in seamlessly with the rugged surroundings. The outdoor area includes a terrace complete with a fire pit, several covered lounge areas and a serene pool. Even though this property is only minutes from downtown Palm Springs, it feels worlds away. $6.4 million, Marc Sanders, Compass Real Estate, 760.218.1999, compass.com
One of the home’s three bedrooms looks out to rugged terrain.
9361 FARRALONE AVE., CHATSWORTH
The 50-foot pool is surrounded by open sky and stunning vistas.
From the moment you pass through its private gates, it’s clear that this William Pereira-designed, 14-acre midcentury compound—once owned by Frank Sinatra—is special. Situated on a private hilltop with 360-degree views of 1,300 acres of conservancy land and the gorgeous Santa Susana Mountains, the home has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and two half-baths. Outside, a 50-foot main pool and a dazzling 2,000-square-foot pergola lounge area beckon. A guesthouse with its own private pool—where President John F. Kennedy and celebs like Marilyn Monroe once swam—makes entertaining and hosting guests effortless. Also of note are amenities such as a gym and a chic wellness area that includes a massage, steam and sauna room. A city-approved tentative tract map for 11 new homesites makes this property ripe for growth. Convert the acres of land into a recording studio, equestrian facilities or a helipad. The options are endless. $21.5 million, Craig Knizek, the Agency, 818.618.1006, theagencyre.com
Mature trees flank the entrance of this Chatsworth abode
