By FRANK LANGEN Special to the Palisadian-Post When I decided to join Mossler, Deasy & Doe almost three years ago it was to nourish my esthetic soul. In the last 30 years the company, which sells architectural and historically significant properties, has developed a loyal and international following. Owners of houses designed by masters of the past and present call us for our opinion on potential restoration and value. Weekly we are invited to actually walk through these works of art. Los Angeles provides us with a rich range of styles and has a plethora of architecture reflected by the diversity of its population. Last year I was asked to represent one of the original Uplifters log cabins at 36 Haldeman Rd. in the heart of Rustic Canyon. I knew the cabin but hadn’t spent time there since the mid-’70s, when it still belonged to women’s national tennis champion Dodo Cheney. Ironically, as a teenager I attended local tennis league meetings at her home. As I slowly walked up the road on an overcast day to reacquaint myself with the house, it reminded me of the rain forest and high country in Africa. I found the depth of field’the view of the canyon filled with mature eucalyptus trees against the California blue sky’breathtaking. Then as I walked through the front door, cool air enveloped me. My eyes focused immediately on the majestic fireplace built of river rock in the center of the room. It was obvious that this was a wonderful opportunity for some lucky individual to own and live in this piece of history. To me the house felt lived in, and not a museum. While the cabin is not a designated cultural landmark, the last two owners have poured their love and money into it. The main cabin and guest house over the garage were tastefully modernized and added on to by owner/architect Bret Thoeny in the late ’90s. The current owners continued to restore and lovingly landscape the surrounding grounds and hillsides with a wide range of local flowers and plants. They are moving because they have the opportunity to live where it is even more tranquil than it is here. As a realtor my challenge was to find a buyer who would preserve the cabin and at the same time not compromise the price for the current owner. Because of the size of the house (a 2-bedroom, 2-bath in less than 2,500-sq.-ft.), the $2,750,000 asking price was close to land value which also made it appealing to developers. Unfortunately, many architecturally worthy properties are sold for near-land value, often adding to the difficulty of finding the right steward. When I held the first public open house over a year ago, close to 200 individuals passed the threshold to get a glimpse. Stepping back in time, neighbors and potential buyers enjoyed the space and views while imagining who had celebrated and lived inside these walls. While it took some time, I am happy to report that it seems we have found worthy new keepers of the cabin. Escrow is scheduled to close later this month. I congratulate the new owners on their choice, welcome them to the neighborhood and invite them to enjoy the tennis courts and Monday night potluck dinners in Rustic Canyon Park. Personally, I am thankful for the whole experience. Every time I showed the cabin I was transported back to that happy time in my life. I will miss spending time there. (Editor’s note: Designated cultural landmarks in the Palisades area include: the Eames House on Chautauqua, the Kappe House on West Rustic, Villa Aurora on Paseo Miramar, the Bradbury House on Ocean Way, a Neutra house on Mabery Road, and the Uplifters Clubhouse in Rustic Canyon Park.)
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