The Lowry Residence is a striking mid-century masterpiece in the Franklin Hills neighborhood of Los Feliz. This post-and-beam compound – designed and built by architect Dick E. Lowry as his personal residence – stands on over a third of an acre, overlooking the hills of Silver Lake and the San Gabriel Mountains. From the walls of glass and clerestory windows to the built-in cabinetry and how the structure seamlessly integrates with the site, it has all the elements of a classic mid-century home.
Rooted in organic design, the wood-clad residence spans 2,449 square feet across two levels. The open floor plan holds three bedrooms and three bathrooms with public spaces above and private spaces below. Expansive beams, original woodwork, and walls of windows create a seamless visual and physical connection to the outdoors. After decades of being occupied by the original owner, the house underwent a sensitive renovation. The footprint and original details are mostly preserved, while some elements, such as the renovated kitchen, rebuilt patios, and a new standing seam metal roof by Modern Roof, maintain Lowry’s modernist vision and bring it forward for today.
The house opens to walls of windows framing views of the Silver Lake hills. A statement brick fireplace anchors the living room, featuring a raised hearth and a window above that showcases the greenery of the outdoors, as well as the sculptural architectural design of the chimney. There’s a bar on one side. From here, a lounging deck affords views of the kitchen.
You enter the kitchen and dining area either via the deck or the hallway. The openness of this space is enhanced by windows, which once again frame spectacular views. Preserved original details include tapered hardware, knife hinges, vintage louvered doors, and light fixtures. Updated for modern living, the U-shaped kitchen is equipped with “Viking appliances, European fixtures, a full pantry, and an expansive peninsula equally suited for epicurean cooking or relaxed gatherings.”
Downstairs, the secondary bedrooms feature one with remarkable views. A den/family room sits in the middle, followed by the primary bedroom on the other side. Plywood, beams, and floating cabinets with vertical pulls repeat in each room. The primary bedroom features another brick fireplace, along with a custom-built dresser placed under a ribbon of windows.
There’s a detached guest studio with a kitchenette that shares the architectural details of the main house. Inside, natural light streams in through hopper windows, three sets of sliding glass doors, and a skylight at the center of the space. Cabinets by Kerf Design, Vitsoe shelving, and Walker Zanger tile line the walls. There’s also a half bath. When the doors and windows are open, a steady flow of cool breeze is present throughout the day.
The grounds of the Lowry Residence unfold in a series of meandering paths, scenic seating, and lush gardens filled with fruit-bearing trees and drought-tolerant native plants. A carport, two-car garage, and bonus space with a kiln on the bottom floor complete this one-of-a-kind compound. Listed by Cari Fields of Coldwell Banker for $4,295,000.
