Architect Josef Van der Kar designed the Modernist style home for Albert and Roberta Wohlstetter in 1953. Albert Wohlstetter (1913-1997) was an expert on nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. He and his wife Roberta, an historian served as advisors to President John F. Kennedy during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Wohlstetter was a former executive with the Rand Corporation and a staunch conservative. It is all the more interesting that he chose Van der Kar, a card-carrying communist to design his home. The couple were awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1985.
The 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in 2700 sq. ft. is currently (October 2019) listed for sale for $4,750,000 and described as ""The House that Hangs in the Sky." This brilliant mid-century "crystal box," was designed by architect Josef Van der Kar. Known as the "Wohlstetter House," the home has been featured in The L A Times Magazine, Modernism, and many architectural books. Noted for its open floor plan and mastery of light, The house and guest house have been meticulously restored and remodeled with impeccable taste and style.
Descend a long private gated drive to a setting of peace, tranquility and absolute privacy. The lush grounds have been brought back to their natural beauty as originally conceived by renowned landscape architect Garrett Eckbo. A quiet retreat away from the constraints of the city, yet easily accessible to all".
Tags: Josef Van der Ker Garrett Eckbo Albert Wohlstetter Roberta Wolstetter International Style Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor Hollywood HIlls
© All Rights Reserved
Architect Richard Neutra remodeled the International style house for Mr. and Mrs. Millard Kaufman in 1954. Kaufman was a screenwriter who invented the character Mr. Magoo. The 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in 2503 sq. ft. is currently (November 2018) on the market listed for sale for $3,379,000 and described in the listing as "Known as the Millard Kaufman Residence, this is a mid-century modern masterpiece that has been recently restored and meticulously renovated. Renowned architects Richard Neutra, Alexander Ban, and Josef Van Der Kar each lent his vision to the structure, while celebrated landscape architect, Garrett Eckbo labored over the outdoor environs.
The house is a post-and-beam to the extreme, with lofted ceilings of exposed wood, carefully-placed skylights, soaring walls of glass doors and windows, original paneling, and period detail prevailing. The living, dining, and kitchen flow seamlessly out to the deck and lushly-planted grounds and a beach-entry pool, while the backyard includes a lawn, patio with fire pit, and dramatic mountain views.
The recent renovations (2017-2018) include all baths, the kitchen, the floors, the deck, and fixtures throughout. This is a one of a kind offering that combines prestige, privacy, and provenance with geographical convenience and modern luxuries."
Located at 3574 Multiview Drive in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.
Tags: Richard Neutra Milllard Kaufman Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor
© All Rights Reserved
Architect Josef Van der Kar designed the Modernist style house for James S. Ito in 1962. The 3-bedroom, 3-bath home in 1,600 sf is currently (July 2023) listed for sale for $3.5 million and described in part as "a transparent glass walled post & beam residence located on a private three-quarter acre ridgetop overlooking the mature cross landscaping of Garrett Eckbo's celebrated Wonderland Park Project in Laurel Canyon. Careful siting allows for privacy without the need for curtains (except for light), and the open plan public space invites a casual California indoor-outdoor living lifestyle".
Located at 8937 Wonderland Park Avenue in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.
Tags: Joseph Van der Kar Ito House Hollywood HIlls Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer
© All Rights Reserved
The Jenkyns House in Silver Lake just came on the market (August 2011) priced at $1,070,000. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath house is a classic expression of California Modernism. Described in the listing, "The residence is lifted from the street with a slanted roofline, creating a dramatic soaring effect and capturing views of the Silver Lake Reservoir.. Exposed posts and beams, brick fireplaces, and floating staircases punctuate the classic design."
The architect, who passed away in 2002 aged 94, was friends with other non-conformists of the period, including architectural photographer Julius Schulman, landscape designer Garrett Eckbo, and fellow "radical" architect Gregory Ain. He was a card-carrying Communist whose political activism made him a target of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Shulman photographed the Jenkyns House for his friend, but never allowed them to be published, citing privacy issues. The house is located at 1973 Redesdale Avenue.
Please do not use this image in any media without my permission.
© All rights reserved.
Tags: China Silver Lake Silver Lake Architecture Josef Van der Kar AIA Jenkyns House Julius Shulman Garrett Eckbo Gregory Ain archiref Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor
© All Rights Reserved
Architect Josef Van der Kar designed the Modernist style home for Albert and Roberta Wohlstetter in 1953. Albert Wohlstetter (1913-1997) was an expert on nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. He and his wife Roberta, an historian served as advisors to President John F. Kennedy during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Wohlstetter was a former executive with the Rand Corporation and a staunch conservative. It is all the more interesting that he chose Van der Kar, a card-carrying communist to design his home. The couple were awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1985.
The 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in 2700 sq. ft. is currently (October 2019) listed for sale for $4,750,000 and described as ""The House that Hangs in the Sky." This brilliant mid-century "crystal box," was designed by architect Josef Van der Kar. Known as the "Wohlstetter House," the home has been featured in The L A Times Magazine, Modernism, and many architectural books. Noted for its open floor plan and mastery of light, The house and guest house have been meticulously restored and remodeled with impeccable taste and style.
Descend a long private gated drive to a setting of peace, tranquility and absolute privacy. The lush grounds have been brought back to their natural beauty as originally conceived by renowned landscape architect Garrett Eckbo. A quiet retreat away from the constraints of the city, yet easily accessible to all".
Tags: Josef Van der Ker Garrett Eckbo Albert Wohlstetter Roberta Wolstetter International Style Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor Hollywood HIlls
© All Rights Reserved