The Best of 2019

1.  Raphael Soriano’s Lukens House, Jefferson Park

Boarded up for years and “very much abandoned and headed for the bulldozer,” the Lukens House by Raphael Soriano hit the market “in absolutely pristine condition.” This restored gem sold for $1.850 million.

2. The Ulm House by William Kesling, Los Feliz

The Ulm House is believed to be one of the few William Kesling-designed streamline moderne dwellings still standing in Los Angeles. After one week on the market, this curvaceous residence sold for $2.325 million.

3. John Lautner’s Wolff Residence, Hollywood Hills

Hugging an almost vertical hillside lot with spectacular views, the Wolff Residence ranks as one of John Lautner’s greatest architectural hits. The home is currently under contract.

4. Craig Ellwood’s Case Study House no. 16, Bel Air

Also known as the Salzman House, it’s the first of three homes Craig Ellwood designed for the Case Study House Program, sponsored by Arts & Architecture. The home is listed for $2.9 million and is currently in escrow.

5. Robert Thorguson’s midcentury, Laurel Canyon

Built in 1953 on nearly an acre, this handsome mid-century is said to be one of three homes the USC Architecture School grad designed and built for himself. Asking a tad under $3.8 million the home is currently under contract.

6. The Wohlstetter House by Josef Van der Kar, Laurel Canyon

Dubbed by the Los Angeles Herald Examiner as “the house that hangs in the sky” the home was restored in recent years by its second owner, fashion photographer Cliff Watts. Asking $4.750 million, its on the market for the second time since 1953.

7. Kung Residence by Gilbert Leong, Echo Park

A pioneering architect, Gilbert Leong designed many of Chinatown’s public and commercial structures as well as a number of private residences. Listed for $899,000 this midcentury sold in a bidding war for $1.135 million.

8. The Steel House, Los Feliz

If a home were ever sexy it would look like this. Inspired by the mid-century the Case Study program, the home was originally designed Neil A. Johnson and restored in recent years by Mark Haddawy. Floating on a knoll located north of the boulevard in prime Los Feliz, the residence sold for $4.1 million.

9. Lloyd Wright’s Calori House, Glendale

From the Sowden House to this two-story Spanish Colonial Revival known as the Calori House, Lloyd Wright’s work included “bold, soaring forms; unusual colors and materials; careful siting; and of course, integrated landscape” with a touch of theatrics. The home is listed for $1.695 million.