Emmy-nominated writer-producer Neal Baer lists the Wohlstetter House by Josef Van der Kar

Two years after purchasing the “House in the Sky” from celebrity photographer Cliff Watts, Emmy-nominated writer-producer Neal Baer puts the Wohlstetter House designed by architect Josef Van der Kar back on the market.

Built in 1953 for the conservative nuclear arms strategists, Albert and Roberta Wohlstetter, the main residence plus guesthouse and detached sleeping porch, located at 2805 Woodstock Rd in the Hollywood Hills, is concealed behind massive gates for privacy.

Down the private drive with “The pergola jutting over the deck creates a dramatic, soaring effect ….” when viewed from the garden designed by landscape architect, Garrett Eckbo.

Wohlstetter House by modernist architect Josef Van der Kar

After searching for a midcentury home for three years, celebrity photographer Cliff Watts told the LA Times, “there was a coldness to some of the architecture from the ‘50s,” he remembers. This house was warm. Artistic but unpretentious. And it belonged so completely to its setting.”

Wohlstetter House by architect Josef Van der Kar
Inside the Wohlstetter House by Josef Van der Kar

Blurring the lines between indoors and out, the main three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers a flexible floor plan with expansive “Glass walls wrapping around the Wohlstetter living room slid entirely away to create one indoor-outdoor entertaining space.”

1953 Wohlstetter House by Josef Van der Kar
Inside the Wohlstetter House by architect Josef Van der Kar
Garden designed by landscape architect Garrett Eckbo

The newer guest house overlooks the giant Koi pond and sleeping porch and has a bath and extra large closet.

Outside the Wohlstetter House by Josef Van der Kar

Kar exclusively worked with landscape architect Garret Eckbo, who “created outdoor environments for some of the most exceptional Mid-Century Modern projects in California.” Here, Eckbo utilizes giant bamboo to shade and screen the pool area surrounded by sculptural benches, lounge areas, and modern ramada.

On the market for the second time since 1953, the home is asking $4.750 million.

Listing courtesy of Neal Baddin – Coldwell Banker

Interested in seeing this home? Let's Talk. 323.829.4440 EMAIL