THE SOMMERS HOUSE, 1954

First offering since 2001. The ideal of California Mid-century Modernist living is nearly extinct in Beverly Hills. This custom built residence is the exception, and is reputedly the first project completed by Robert Kennard FAIA after he left Richard Neutra’s office. Neutra’s aesthetic is reflected throughout today. In 2001-2002, architects Marmol Radziner performed a major renovation, including adding a swimming pool. The generous nearly half-acre street to-street lot presents a secluded park-like setting with mature trees, and hillside nature trails leading up to Loma Linda Drive above. A garden structure designed by Dion Neutra, and draped in wisteria augments the lawn area. Siting the residence above the circular drive provides privacy from Coldwater which in this location is lined with century-old Canary Island pines specified by Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape plan for lower Coldwater Canyon.