A historic residence in Los Angeles, designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra, has re-entered the market with an asking price of $10.5 million. This property, known as Case Study House No. 20, was once part of a larger estate owned by Sam Simon, co-creator of "The Simpsons." The sale includes the home's furnishings, offering a complete architectural experience to its next owner.
Built in 1948, the house is located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. It represents a significant piece of architectural history from the post-World War II era. The Case Study House program aimed to explore modern residential architecture using innovative materials and construction techniques to create affordable, efficient homes.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Neutra's Case Study House No. 20 is listed for $10.5 million.
- The property includes original furnishings and is located in Pacific Palisades.
- It was part of Arts & Architecture magazine's influential Case Study House program.
- The home was previously owned by "The Simpsons" co-creator Sam Simon.
- Current seller John Wise highlights the home's function, proportion, and openness.
A Landmark in Modern Architecture
The Case Study House program was an initiative by Arts & Architecture magazine. It invited leading architects to design and construct model homes that were both innovative and economical. Richard Neutra was one of the initial eight architects commissioned in 1945 by the magazine's editor, John Entenza, for this ambitious project.
Neutra's design, Case Study House No. 20, was one of 25 such homes built across Southern California. Other notable architects involved in the program included J.R. Davidson, Sumner Spaulding, Eero Saarinen, William Wilson Wurster, Charles Eames, and Ralph Rapson. These architects shaped the landscape of modern residential design.
Architectural Fact
Richard Neutra designed the 1946 Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, another iconic modernist residence. He received the AIA Gold Medal and was honored with a star on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs in 2015.
The Home's Features and Design Philosophy
The Case Study House No. 20 spans 1,849 square feet. It includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The current seller is John Wise, co-founder of the wealth-management company InvestCloud and chairman and CEO of Communify Fincentric, a financial technology firm.
"Neutra’s architecture embraces the essentials: function, proportion, openness and clarity of purpose," Wise told Mansion Global. "There’s a quiet elegance to it, especially in the way the sliding glass walls open into the mature garden—a feature that feels uniquely Los Angeles yet timeless."
This design emphasizes a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The home is an example of Neutra’s "Four-Courter House" concept. It features four distinct wings that open to the landscape, creating an expansive indoor-outdoor living experience. Each wing serves a specific purpose: socializing, playing, dining, and working.
Historical Context
The Case Study House program ran from 1945 to 1966. It aimed to address the housing boom following World War II by demonstrating how modern architecture could provide efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable homes. These homes often incorporated new materials and construction methods.
A History of Ownership and Restoration
The Neutra home was originally part of a much larger 5-acre plot. This plot also contained three other Case Study Houses, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, Rodney Walker, and Eero Saarinen. The initial owners were Stuart and June Bailey, a young couple who raised their children in the residence.
The Baileys received discounts on building materials and furnishings as part of the Case Study program. In return, they agreed to open their home to the public for viewing after its completion. As their family grew, Neutra himself designed two additions to the house in 1950 and 1958, each adding 700 square feet of space.
Sam Simon's Vision and Restoration
In 2004, the Bailey family sold the property to Sam Simon, co-creator of "The Simpsons." Simon undertook a significant restoration of the house. He engaged the architectural firm Marmol Radziner to update the residence with modern luxury amenities while preserving its original architectural integrity.
Despite the extensive restoration, Simon did not live in the Neutra house. He used it as a guest house and as his personal offices. Simon resided in a separate house on the expansive estate. In 2007, his main residence burned down, leading him to build a larger home on the property.
Property Details
- Original plot size: 5 acres
- Current lot size: two-thirds of an acre
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Square footage: 1,849
Recent Transactions and Current Listing
After Sam Simon's passing in 2015, the 1.5-acre compound was sold to Lorna Jane Clarkson, founder of the Lorna Jane fashion brand, and her husband, Bill Clarkson. The Clarksons continued the tradition of respectful restoration, also hiring Marmol Radziner to refresh the property.
During their ownership, the house was primarily used for work functions and small events. The Clarksons received a Santa Monica Conservancy Award for their restoration efforts. In 2021, they decided to sell the two houses on the estate as separate parcels.
John Wise acquired the Bailey house and its two-thirds-acre lot for $11.25 million through an eponymous family trust. On the same day, members of his family purchased the other house for $5.95 million. Wise is now selling the Neutra home as he plans to relocate to Florida.
Wise shared his experience: "Everyone who stays there can’t quite believe it—they’re amazed to be in such an incredible piece of architectural history—and the garden and space that you can’t buy in this part of the world."
Before being listed for sale, the Bailey house was available as a rental property in 2024. Frank Langen of Compass, who listed the property, emphasized its appeal. "The Bailey house is unique because of Neutra’s big-name reputation," Langen stated. "It’s in one of the most desirable areas in L.A., and it’s livable because it has been updated to today’s standards. And it’s a stone’s throw from the beach." This combination of historical significance, modern updates, and prime location makes it a highly desirable property.
The typeface Neutraface is based on Richard Neutra's work, further cementing his legacy in design. This demonstrates the lasting impact of his architectural principles and aesthetic.