Edward Fickett-Designed Midcentury Gem Up for Grabs in Nichols Canyon

Edward Fickett is probably the most prolific modernist architect you’ve never heard of, unlike his far more well-known midcentury peers like Robert Neutra and Robert Schindler. In fact, Fickett’s creations flood the city of Los Angeles in the form of Sunset Boulevard’s iconic Tower Records, the Los Angeles Police Academy and countless apartment buildings. The architect also is known for crafting an astonishing 50,000 or so area residences during his career — hence his nickname, the “miracle man” — ranging from affordable tract homes for regular folks, to custom digs for wealthy clients such as Charlie Chaplin and onetime L.A. Rams owner Georgia Frontiere.

The late architect’s work has steadily gained recognition through the years, though, with what remains of his extensive cache of houses becoming more sought after each and every day for their signature open floor plans marked by exterior latticework, beamed ceilings, and light-filled spaces opening to the outdoors via walls of glass. And one of these precious residential commodities just hit the market in Hollywood Hills, asking $2.6 million.

Built in 1958 and nestled on a secluded hillside parcel atop Nichols Canyon, the post-and-beam structure has been meticulously preserved through the years, with a two-story modern addition added in the early ’90s. Largely windowless and bleak from the outside, the property has a gate on one end and a two-car garage on the other, plus an inviting front entryway trimmed in canary yellow.

Inside, four bedrooms and three baths are spread across 2,791 square feet of living space laden with a trove of midcentury touches, including built-in closets and cabinetry, clerestory windows and the aforementioned walls of glass gracing almost every space. In addition to a living room adorned with what looks to be an original brick fireplace, the main level holds a dining room with custom built-in floating shelves, a galley-style kitchen updated with granite countertops and backsplashes, and an adjacent breakfast nook overlooking an enclosed atrium.

Three bedrooms also can be found in the single-story portion of the house, including a primary suite sporting its own entrance that, per the listing, would serve as an ideal home office. As for the addition, it’s highlighted by a massive master retreat with a walk-in closet, bath and a duo of balconies for serene hillside views. Outdoors, the tree-shaded backyard is spotlighted by a drought-tolerant garden and a multilevel wooden deck ideal for al fresco dining.

The listing is held by Beata Swiderska of Coldwell Banker Realty.