A 1959 home by Taliesen-trained architect Harry Harrison has set a sale record in the increasingly hot Baldwin Vista area, selling off market after two showings and multiple counteroffers for a record-breaking $2,025,000. The transaction marked the first time a residential property has sold for over $2 million in Baldwin Vista and the surrounding neighborhood view communities of View Park, Baldwin Hills Estates, Ladera Heights and Blair Hills. Carolyn Hart of Pacific Union LA was the listing agent.
Harrison worked closely with original owners George and Rena Poulos, founders of the iconic Pann’s Restaurant, in designing the home. Pann’s, one of the best-preserved examples of Googie architecture, remains in the Poulos family today.
Set on a .43 acre lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, the 2,822 square foot residence commands sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA, the San Gabriel Mountains and the Baldwin Hills hillsides and canyon. Harrison designed the home to take advantage of the views throughout, with walls of glass and glass sliding doors in most major living areas and walkways. The home’s dramatic open plan living room, featured in the Fall 1960 issue of Architectural Digest, also enjoys views of the front garden area and cul-de-sac street.
Terrazzo flooring extends from the entry through the hallway and open walkways of the home toward the expansive step-down living room and family room and the bedrooms. A dual-sided fireplace serves both the living and family rooms, topped by walls of marble chip tile on the living room side and Arizona driftwood stone in the family room. The original sound system, speakers and record player are still in place.
Ashwood cabinetry is featured throughout, including in the entertainer’s kitchen with period double Thermador ovens and pass-through to the dining area with breakfast bar, and cork-walled wet bar with glass shelving. The master bedroom suite features a room-spanning corner wall of glass overlooking the pool and spectacular vistas of the city beyond. Outdoor entertaining spaces include a terrace, garden and pool area with a stunning long-range vista from the mountains to the downtown skyline. A row of lemon trees flanks both sides of the pool hillside.