Draw up in your 911, take a breath. You’re home in the picturesque hills above Pasadena, California. And what a home it is. The Conrad Buff II Residence, currently for sale, is a landmark piece of mid-century modern design. Tastefully upgraded by the very firm which built the house in the first place. On its 70th birthday, who wouldn’t want to live in a house like this?
Original build is from 1955. We're talking the very height of mid-century West Coast modernism, where open-plan living, generous outdoor spaces and form-follows-function design neatly expressed emerging Californian lifestyle. Buff and Hensman were the architects responsible. The freewheeling confidence of thier design might be down to the family nature of this commission, by noted artist Conrad Buff II to the firm headed by his son. Among family friends were architect Richard Neutra and opera singer Lawrence Tippet.
Conrad Buff II residence: Quietly spectacular
Key here is a dramatic rebuild that retains originality, to the point that it won a Pasadena Historic Preservation Award in 2018. Dennis Smith, of the original designers’ successors Buff, Smith & Hensman, was responsible. Results are quietly spectacular. Most notable among the additions is a large private owners’ suite, complete with separate lounging area, with floor to ceiling sliding doors taking in far-reaching views. The house is set above the Annandale golf club, and the outlook takes in distant canyon views. We’d put Joni Mitchell on the sound system and take in the rest of this remarkable home.
Kitchen is expanded from the original to become a living/dining space in the contemporary idiom, with Fleetwood doors, utilised throughout, sliding to meld outdoor and indoor. Appliances are by Miele, set in hand-made walnut cabinets. Cork floors are correct to the original plans. Flow into reading and relaxing areas is effortless while guest bedrooms will have your friends queuing up for a visit. Californian sauvignon blanc around the fire pit anyone?
Part magic
The Conrad Buff II residence is set in its own compact grounds, now fully landscaped by Ivette Soler Gardens who specialise in drought-resistant gardens, that are, as they put it “part architecture and part magic”, a phrase that easily sums up this property. Like us, you’ll have already noted that the street aspect is of a double carport, to protect two of your collection from the elements, but connected enough to the home to make a Sunday morning blast in the hills too inviting a prospect to resist.
Yes, we know you’re keen to get your offer in before anyone else. Who wouldn’t want to park their 911 in that car port? We know we would. So, before you take the flight to California pop by the bank to withdraw £2,225,000, which is the asking price for this distinguished mid-century Pasadena home. You never know, you might be able to haggle the price down a little, which should allow enough spare cash to get another 911. We’ll be available for the house warming, other engagements permitting.
Next up: 5 Stunning examples of concrete architecture.
