One of my absolute favorite homes designed by one of my absolute favorite architects is located in Los Angeles: The Sheats Goldstein house designed by American architect John Lautner. An exemplary example of Organic Modernism the home is built into the sandstone ledge of a hillside creating a cave-like dwelling that takes full advantage of the surrounding nature as well as stunning views. Lautner was a master of the ‘challenging site’ (The Chemosphere, 1961 is certainly a good example) and this home’s design is an ideal solution to its steep hillside lot.
The home was originally built for Helen and Paul Sheats and their five children. Helen, an artist, and Paul a doctor, commissioned Lautner for a previous project known as Sheats Apartments located in West LA adjacent to UCLA (originally built 1949). The construction of the house began in 1961 and was completed in 1963.
Due to its unique and memorable impression, the house has been featured in several movies, including Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Bandits, and The Big Lebowski.
James Goldstein, a man with as much striking character as the house itself, purchased the residence in 1972, in a state of significant disrepair. Goldstein commissioned John Lautner to work on the transformation of the house; a series of remodelings that would encompass the entire house over a period of more than two decades. Goldstein worked with Lautner until the architect’s death in 1994 on what they called “perfecting the house.”
Later in 2016 James Goldstein, has decided to donate the residence to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
