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