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1960s, Modernist, United Kingdom

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

An architect that needs no introduction, with the 1960s John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA thankfully largely unchanged.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

John Lautner finds are always popular, none more so than the Willard Whyte house in the James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever. This isn’t quite to that level, but it is rather special.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

The house (amazingly) dates back to 1962 and is made up of three detached structures connected by a steel cable roof system and topped by light-weight ‘wood sheathing’, with semi-circular windows throwing in even more ‘wow’ factor. Bold and striking.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

Overall, little has changed, with the perhaps some of the finishes in the rooms. But certainly not the statement spaces within this place with their curves and archways.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

Of course, the one that caught our eye (and perhaps yours too) is that amazing raised living area with concrete fireplace and concrete seating. Ok, the latter doesn’t sound too conformable, but there is cushioning and the effect is something else

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

There’s around 3,000 sq. ft. in total, with the main house covering around 2,000 of that and with two large bedrooms, two bathrooms and those open and sizeable reception areas with kitchen open to them.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

Much of that is looks out onto the swimming pool and entertaining space, which is surrounded by nature. A key selling point in itself and practically your own holiday resort.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

If you want friends to drop by, you can put them up in the guest house. That has one bedroom and one bathroom, with an open air lath house completing the space.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

Lots more images on the listing and if you fancy owning a Lautner, this one is up for $1,488,000.

1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA
1960s modernism: John Lautner-designed Tolstoy House in Alta Loma, California, USA

Images and details courtesy of The Morgan Group. For more details or to make an enquiry please visit the website.

Via Curbed and thanks to Chris for the tip off!

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