The only Case Study home designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra, known as the Bailey House or Case Study House #20, is now on the market in Pacific Palisades for $10.5 million. Originally conceived in 1948 as a modest and affordable starter home, this midcentury modern dwelling has been meticulously restored and updated while preserving its historical integrity. The property offers a unique blend of architectural significance and modern living.
Located in a serene, leafy canyon with convenient beach access, the 1,849-square-foot home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Its design emphasizes an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, a hallmark of Neutra's work. The listing price is notable as it is less than the current owners paid for the property just three years ago.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Neutra's only Case Study home, the Bailey House, is listed for $10.5 million.
- The 1,849-square-foot, three-bedroom home was built in 1948 as an affordable starter residence.
- Meticulously restored by Marmol Radziner, it retains Neutra's original vision.
- The current listing price is lower than its 2021 purchase price of $11.25 million.
- The property has a rich history, including ownership by "The Simpsons" co-creator Sam Simon and fashion designer Lorna Jane Clarkson.
Architectural Heritage and Design
The Bailey House, officially Case Study House #20, represents a significant piece of architectural history. Richard Neutra designed it as part of the influential Arts & Architecture Case Study House program. This program aimed to explore new models for affordable, elegant, and modern postwar living. Other notable architects like Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Rodney Walker also participated in this initiative.
Neutra's design for the Bailey House incorporates his innovative "Four-Courter House" concept. This approach involves articulated wings built around courtyards, specifically designed to maximize the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The home's structure consists of two distinct pavilions, which are connected by a covered breezeway. This layout allows for seamless transitions between interior spaces and the surrounding natural environment.
Interesting Fact
The Case Study House program, initiated in 1945, commissioned major architects to design and build inexpensive, modern homes. These homes were intended to serve as models for the housing boom following World War II.
Restoration Efforts and Original Vision
Over the years, the Bailey House has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its original character. The renowned architectural firm Marmol Radziner has been central to these efforts. Their work ensured that Neutra's initial design vision remains intact, despite modern updates.
Key original features have been carefully maintained or restored. These include the signature red kitchen counters and cabinets, built-in seating arrangements, and distinctive wood paneling throughout the home. Almost every square inch of the property reflects a commitment to historical accuracy and architectural integrity.
"Meticulous restoration by Marmol Radziner has ensured that Neutra's original vision remains intact," according to the listing information, highlighting the dedication to preserving the home's unique design.
Property Details and Recent Transactions
The Bailey House sits on a verdant 0.66-acre property. Both pavilions open to lush gardens and grassy lawns through expansive sliding glass doors. The home is offered with appropriate midcentury modern furnishings, allowing new owners to immediately experience its period-perfect aesthetic.
Despite its architectural significance and recent restoration, the current list price of $10.5 million is less than what the Wise Family Trust paid for it in 2021. The Wise Family Trust, associated with John Wise, chairman and CEO of Invest Cloud, acquired the property for $11.25 million. This price adjustment makes the current listing particularly noteworthy in the luxury real estate market.
Background on Richard Neutra
Richard Neutra (1892-1970) was an Austrian-American architect. He is celebrated as one of the most important proponents of modern architecture. His work often focused on the integration of nature and architecture, emphasizing open spaces, natural light, and functional design.
A History of Notable Ownership
The property's history includes several prominent owners. Dr. Stuart J. Bailey and his wife, June, commissioned Neutra to build the house in 1948. As part of the Case Study program, they were required to open the home to the public. Thousands of visitors toured the residence in the late 1940s. The Baileys later worked with Neutra to add additions in 1950 and 1958, enjoying the home privately until 2004.
In 2004, Sam Simon, co-creator of "The Simpsons," purchased the property. At that time, the estate spanned 1.5 acres. Simon, an architecture enthusiast, hired Marmol Radziner to restore the house to its 1948 glory while integrating modern amenities. He also built a separate, larger 7,526-square-foot mansion on the expanded property, using the Bailey House for guests and as his personal office.
After Simon's passing in 2015, his estate listed the 1.5-acre compound, including both houses, for $18 million. The proceeds from this sale were directed to Simon's various charities, reflecting his philanthropic spirit.
Fashion Moguls and Further Renovations
In 2016, Lorna Jane Clarkson and her husband Bill Clarkson, founders of the Australian activewear brand Lorna Jane, acquired the property for $12.5 million. The Clarksons, known for their preservation efforts, undertook another round of restoration on the Bailey House with Marmol Radziner. Their goal was to ensure the home continued to reflect Neutra’s vision while also meeting their personal and professional needs.
The Clarksons received a Santa Monica Conservancy Award for their meticulous work on the property. They utilized the Bailey House as a "relaxed and inspiring space" for work and small brand-related events. They also furnished the home with period-appropriate midcentury modern pieces, further enhancing its authentic appeal.
After four years, the Brisbane-based couple decided to sell the property. "We are spending less time in the U.S.A.," Lorna Jane Clarkson told Realtor.com. Initially, they listed the entire furnished compound for $20 million in 2020.
Property Division and Current Listing
The Clarksons eventually decided to divide the large property into two separate parcels. The larger parcel, nearly an acre in size and including the modern mansion and swimming pool, sold for approximately $6 million. The smaller parcel, measuring 0.66 acres and featuring Neutra's Bailey House, was then sold for $11.25 million to the Wise Family Trust.
The Wise Family Trust has maintained both adjacent properties for four years. They are now returning them to the market as separate listings. The larger parcel with the modern mansion is expected to be listed soon for $16.5 million, while the iconic Bailey House is available for $10.5 million. This offers potential buyers a unique opportunity to own a piece of architectural history in a prime Pacific Palisades location.
- 1948: Bailey House designed and built by Richard Neutra.
- 1950 & 1958: Additions made to the house with Neutra's involvement.
- 2004: Sam Simon, co-creator of "The Simpsons," purchases the property.
- 2015: Simon passes away; property listed for $18 million.
- 2016: Lorna Jane Clarkson buys the compound for $12.5 million.
- 2020: Clarksons list compound for $20 million, later divide it.
- 2021: Wise Family Trust purchases Bailey House parcel for $11.25 million.
- 2024: Bailey House listed for $10.5 million.