Stunning 1920s John Byers-Designed Time Capsule in Santa Monica Seeks $10 Million

A deeply rooted fascination with native California architecture and its Mexican-Spanish roots led celebrated architect John Byers to create this one-of-a-kind beach house resting along the northern edge of Santa Monica. Built nearly a century ago — and centered around a charming Moorish-inspired courtyard modeled after the one gracing Spain’s 16th-century El Greco Museum — the property is filled with eye-catching memories of the past, and paired with breathtaking ocean views. It’s now on the market, asking $10 million.

Commissioned by Lewis Bradbury Jr. — the wealthy youngest son of mining mogul Lewis Bradbury, who also commissioned Downtown L.A.’s Bradbury Building — the Spanish Colonial Revival-style structure is aptly known as the Bradbury House. Badly damaged by the Northridge earthquake in 1994, the residence has since been extensively restored to its original grandeur by former owners and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also been designated by the city of L.A. as a historic-cultural monument.

Perched atop a bluff, on a double lot overlooking the Pacific, the walled and gated estate features six bedrooms and seven baths spread across a little over 5,000 square feet of living space on two levels. A spacious motorcourt paved with brick set in a herringbone pattern fronts the house’s adobe brick façade, which is bolstered by a thick outer layer of stucco and crowned by a terra-cotta tile roof. A striking entryway embellished with blue-glazed tile leads into the U-shaped dwelling, which is punctuated throughout by stenciled beam ceilings, and at least 20 different varieties of tile and carved wood accents. There’s also access to the open courtyard via every room.

Especially standing out is a double-height foyer boasting a soaring ceiling tricked out with hand-stenciled wood beams and an elaborate oak staircase. Other highlights include a formal living room with soaring wood-beam ceilings and a fireplace adorned with a fanciful oak mantel, a formal dining room, and a sizable kitchen outfitted with quarter-sawn oak countertops and cabinetry. A fireside master retreat can be found upstairs, and there’s also an attached two-story garage/guesthouse addition created in the early 1970s by noted architect Wallace Neff.

Arguably the property’s most impressive feature are the private resort-like grounds, which include a large pool and garden nestled amid an expansive grassy lawn dotted with mature trees, along with the aforementioned Moorish-style courtyard and two adjacent parcels protecting the whitewater view. Last sold in 2017 for $12 million, the property will transfer with a Mills Act contract, meaning homeowners are eligible for reduced property taxes in exchange for preserving the historic house.

Paul Kellogg of Coldwell Banker Realty serves as the listing agent.