Astonishing Pasadena Post + Beam, $2.125M

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Immaculately restored and cared for, this superb Post + Beam from 1957 by Buff, Straub + Hensman, known as the Thomson House, is not only one of the finest examples of the firm’s work in wood, but one of the best Post + Beam houses to survive from the period.

Buff, Straub + Hensman was among the pioneering postwar Southern California architectural firms, and here, brought their brand of woodsy Modernism to a site previously believed to be unbuildable. Founded in 1950 by Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman, the firm designed hundreds of California dream homes, ranging over five decades from the early Post + Beam to a later evolution of sophisticated residential Brutalism.

This 4-bed, 3-bath classic hovers at the edge of a canyon, set just below the street, giving it an unparalleled sense of seclusion. Even the carport is a Post + Beam composition, setting the stage for what’s to come down a few steps.

Jumbo Akari pendant fixtures, designed by Isamu Noguchi in the ‘50s are perfectly scaled for the volume, echoing the subtle Japanese influence in the timbering and screens above the double-height space.

What We Love: The way the exterior board and batten exterior siding extends inside, and the delicate original louvers for ventilation. The property was extensively photographed by Julius Shulman in 1961.

More: Go to the listing for additional images, details plus a video about this exceptional opportunity to own a Modernist gem. Represented by Cynthia Luczyski and Lauren Luczyski at Deady Penner Podley.

1695 Poppy Peak Drive, Pasadena
4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1887 square feet
$2,125,000

Photo Credit: Pierre Galant Photography