The Coolest Craig Ellwood In Brentwood, $6.3M

by Philip Ferrato

Craig Ellwood [1922-1992] remains one of L.A.’s most charismatic and influential Modernist designers. He was not just an architect, but led a prototypical design/build firm with a team of in-house architects that helped bring his visions to reality. Their firm was at the forefront of Post-war Modernist architecture, designing Case Study House 16 and numerous other dwellings, along with this gem in Brentwood’s Crestview Mutual Housing Association, the pioneering residential cooperative.

Ellwood was also a sought-after personality both as a designer and a lecturer, who eventually left L.A. behind, retiring to a small town near Arezzo in Tuscany to paint. Now this immaculately restored house— originally built in 1953 for prominent local educator Bryon Lamar Johnson—is one of Ellwood’s earliest hybrid works in steel and wood framing, cantilevered off the hillside with sparkling views of downtown and Catalina Island. It was an exciting time to be a Modernist in L.A.

Not content with just a railing, Ellwood devised an innovative steel screen that ran partially across the rear elevation. The current owners built a new ADU under the house poolside that is perfect for visitors, offices or additional income. Additionally there are new period-perfect terrazzo floors throughout the 3-bed, 2.5-bath home and perfectly restored original Redwood finishes.

Visit the listing for additional details and images (both current and archival) of this extraordinary dwelling. A rare opportunity to acquire a key moment in LA’s architectural history by one of its most innovative practitioners, represented by Fielden Junglas at Berkshire Hathaway.