Historic Santa Monica Canyon Studio in Escrow

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

Tucked away in Santa Monica Canyon, a restored studio designed by notable architect Richard Neutra recently made its debut on the market for the first time since being built in 1936.

The space, custom built for writer David Malcolmson and now in escrow, was listed for $1.58 million.

Malcolmson purchased the hillside lot and had the idea to build a guest house near his Santa Monica Canyon home for his mother, according to reports. The obstacle was building the house on a steep slope without disturbing the natural landscape—Malcolmson designed a house that overhangs a garden below.

“For any structure so revolutionary only modern architecture could be sufficiently adaptable,” Malcolmson wrote in a column dated July 1937. “Richard Neutra, the genius of modern architecture, took up the problem enthusiastically. We told him that on this small lot we had to have our garden, and, if feasible, a house as well.”

The space is known as the “Baby Grand Piano Studio” for its curved shape. The 523 square feet of interior space allows for a sleeping, living and dining area. There is also a small kitchen and bathroom. Original elements have been restored, including ceiling light fixtures, the fireplace and the centerpiece windows, according to realtor.com.

Natural light effortlessly streams into the space through its curved wall of windows, revealing breathtaking views and a terraced garden below.

“Entering it for the first time, invariably one sees through the expanse of windows to the fantasy of trees and canyon beyond … the whole circle of the canyon is exposed, and at its mouth the sea stretches out an arc of the horizon,” Malcolmson wrote. “On a clear day one can make out an island in the sea beyond familiar Catalina.”

James Respondek with Sotheby’s International Realty-Pacific Palisades Brokerage is co-listing the property with Antonia Mollica, also with Sotheby’s International Realty.

“It’s been a landmark on the street, people have always commented and revered [at it],” Respondek said to the Palisadian-Post. “It’s very special and unique, it’s an architectural gem.”

Respondek said he has had a lot of showings, and the home is currently in escrow.

For more information, visit 491mesaroad.com.