Though Allen Siple designed camouflage for U.S. defense plants during WWII, the École des Beaux-Arts-trained architect is probably best known for cranking out numerous modernist houses throughout Los Angeles during his career. Among them: lots of luxe digs in the tony Trousdale Estates development of Beverly Hills — where he served as developer Paul Trousdale’s supervising architect — along with this alluring midcentury modern that just popped up on the market in Brentwood, asking just under $8.7 million.
Putting this property in a class all by itself, according to listing agent David Offer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, is a secluded locale atop a promontory that makes you “feel like you are in a treehouse miles away from civilization.” But the place also has a wealth of special features, he adds, including “a great room with an extraordinary wood ceiling that could entice a purist to modernize the house.”
Tucked away down a lengthy gated driveway, on a wooded parcel that spans almost an acre and a half and is bordered by statuesque estate homes, the post-and-beam structure was originally built in 1956. Meticulously preserved through the years, a two-story modern addition was added in the late ’90s.
Looking a smidge on the eclectic side from the outside, the dwelling is fronted by a spacious motorcourt and detached three-car garage, plus an inviting front entryway sporting red Japanese-style doors spilling into a courtyard. Once inside, nearly 5,000 square feet of sprawling living space is punctuated throughout with tile and hardwood floors, built-ins and skylights, with walls of glass offering picturesque canyon, mountain and peekaboo ocean views.
Highlights include the aforementioned great room, which rests beneath a vaulted old-growth timber ceiling and displays what looks to be the original brick and stone fireplace. There’s also living and dining rooms, two offices, and a kitchen with updated appliances and an adjacent breakfast nook overlooking the woodsy surroundings.
Elsewhere in the single-story portion of the house is a master suite boasting a bath with dual vanities, while the addition is spotlighted by a light-filled upstairs area that, per the listing, could easily serve as a bedroom, art studio or office. As for the alluring backyard, it hosts a massive lagoon-style pool flanked by a thatched-roof cabana.
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Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning -
Image Credit: Lee Manning