Designed by noted modernist architect Rudolph Schindler, this striking midcentury modern residence was commissioned by Ukraine-born WWII vet Samuel Skolnik and his wife Bertha back in the early 1950s. Aptly known as the “Skolnik House,” the property last sold to a non-famous couple for $525,000; after nearly three decades, the place has traded hands once again, selling to Los Angeles-based entertainment executive Andy Meyers of M3 Creative for a smidge under $4 million.
One of only three so-called “translucent” structures crafted by Schindler during his lengthy career — he built more than 500 homes and buildings until his death in 1953, including his own residence in West Hollywood — the two-story house was completed in 1952, and has since undergone a few renovations in keeping with Schindler’s original design elements.
A pool, cabana, and detached studio sporting a kitchenette, bath and changing room was added by architect Gregory Ain in 1962; and architect David Serrurier reconfigured the primary bedroom with a walk-in closet and doors opening to a private view deck in the ’80s.
Nestled on a gently sloped hillside, on nearly a half-acre parcel in the Los Feliz neighborhood of L.A., the gray-hued house features three bedrooms and an equal number of baths in a little more than 2,300 square feet of living space described by Schindler biographer Esther McCoy as “essentially a carousel, an open space with a merry-go-round in the middle.”
In this case, the “merry-go-round” is a central indoor-outdoor fireplace that serves as a focal point. There are also hardwood floors and skylights throughout, plus walls of glass and a fiberglass roof that allow for continuous sunlight.
Other highlights include an updated gallery-style kitchen outfitted with modern stainless appliances and a small breakfast nook, and numerous built-in cabinets, banquettes, desks and shelves; outdoors, the backyard holds a barbecue center nestled alongside an al fresco dining area.
The listing was held by Ilana Gafni and Crosby Doe of Crosby Doe Associates; the buyer was repped by Courtney Pickard and Joe Reichling of Compass.
