Case Study House #18 on Chautauqua Lists for $11.9 Million

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Rodney Walker-designed Case Study House #18—known as “West House”—on Chautauqua Boulevard has been listed for sale at $11.9 million.

“Perched on a coastal bluff,” according to the listing, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home “possesses a view of unimaginable beauty and splendor.”

“The expansive unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean that is the backdrop to this living piece of art is one that has to be seen and experienced to be truly appreciated,” the listing continued.

This Case Study House has remained “largely untouched and preserved,” designed to personify “an architectural philosophy that defined an era and represents the exacting precision and intention of design with each room lovingly framing the Pacific Ocean beyond.”

The primary suite and sitting room feature walled floating windows that slide open, welcoming indoor/outdoor living. There is a double-sided fireplace, “clad in copper.”

“The most unique feature of Case Study House #18 is a double-sided fireplace that faces the living room on one side and the garden room on the other,” according to Los Angeles Conservancy.

The mid-century home, completed in 1948, allows “ample sunlight” in the interior. The one-story floor plan has an “immaculate design,” with a gallery kitchen, formal living and dining room, primary suite, sitting room, and two additional bedrooms.

The property also features a private exercise cabin, which has views of the lower lot, an infrared sauna and a soaking hot tub.

“This unbelievably generous lot on almost an acre of lush land, set in the sought-after area of Pacific Palisades, overlooking the ocean and nestled in an enclave amongst other case study homes, allows a discerning buyer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop another architectural marvel on the lower lot,” the listing concluded, “one that will compliment and showcase this prized home for generations to come.”

Seattle-based design practice Tom Kundig has created a “visionary concept” for a second dwelling on the property.

Case Study House #18 is the first of four adjacent houses on Chautauqua Boulevard that were built under Art & Architecture magazine’s Case Study House program, according to LA Conservancy, joined by Case Study Houses #8, #9 and #20 within two years.

Aaron Kirman, Ray Ross, Charlene Durarte, Fran Chavez and Andrew Spitz of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate hold the listing.