Iconic Homes That Shaped Los Angeles
While Los Angeles is well known for its great movies, food, art and nightlife, it is impossible to overlook the significant role that architecture played in shaping Los Angeles. Its architecture has constantly evolved with the times, but tucked between the contemporary architecture are homes definitive of the era they were built in. Here are eight historically significant Los Angeles homes that everyone needs to know about.
Doheny Mansion
Bookstore, Library, University
Ennis House
Building
El Miradero
Library, Park
Schindler House
The Schindler House in West Hollywood is one of the most experimental architectural landmarks in Los Angeles. Designed and built in 1922 by architect Rudolf M. Schindler, the home was one of the earliest attempts at communal living. Schindler and his wife Pauline shared the home with another couple, Clyde and Marian Chace. The home included a shared kitchen, but had separate rooms for each individual. Rather than traditional bedrooms, there were rooftop sleep canopies. The unconventionality was inspired by the Schindlers’ 1921 trip to Yosemite’s Curry Village, where they experienced a lifestyle in tune with nature. In 1994, the Friends of Schindler House collaborated with the Museum für angewandte Kunst Wien in Vienna and opened the MAK Center for Art and Architecture at Schindler House. The home is currently open for public touring.
MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House, 835 N Kings Rd, West Hollywood, CA, +1 323 651 1510
Spadena House (Witch’s House)
Building, Library
Boddy House
Boddy House sits atop a hill in the beautiful Descanso gardens. Architect James E Dolena, commissioned by E. Manchester Boddy, designed the home in 1937. Boddy is most well known as the owner of the Los Angeles Daily News. In addition, he also served as a lieutenant in World War I, wrote several books and short stories – one of which, Malaya, inspired an MGM film, hosted lavish parties for socialites and maintained a commercial flower garden. After his death in 1953, he left his estate, including his home and gardens, to the city of Los Angeles. In 2007, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts took on the Boddy house as their next project, restoring the home’s original charm, but installing a modern-day kitchen in order to host events.
Descanso Garden, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge, CA, +1 818 949 4200
Avila Adobe
Building, Library
Greystone Mansion
Bowling Alley, Park