272 Mesa Lila Road
Glendale, CA 91208
$2,189,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,721 Sq. Ft. | Price/Sq.Ft. $1,272 | 8,377 Sq. Ft. Lot | Built in 1954
Welcome to The Gordon & Hildred Goetschel House designed by the late, great Ray Kappe, FAIA in 1954. Kappe started experimenting with housing in the early 1950s at the height of the Mid-Century Modernism movement. Essentially reinventing the house on the hill as we know it, 272 Mesa Lila Road is the architect’s very first single family residence and was the start of a pioneering and influential career in both architecture and education well into the 2010s.
From the street, you’ll see a sleek and sharp home with a mix of materials set right against the hillside.
The impressive entry has a gorgeous wood slatted pergola and lovely post and beams.
This renovation is the latest project by the esteemed Los Angeles-based HabHouse. HabHouse has done some of my favorite renovations and re-imaginings in recent years of architecturally significant properties. At Mesa Lila, HabHouse has reinstated original details whenever possible.
The open plan layout features a beautiful stone fireplace, wood beamed ceilings, and walls of glass with incredible backyard views that stretch all the way to the surrounding Verdugo’s.
The dining room has easy indoor/outdoor access to the pool with beautiful glass sliders.
The kitchen boasts just enough modern touches with its timeless 1950s style.
The pool, original to the home and also a Kappe design, has now been brought into the 21st century with new equipment, plaster, tile, and coping.
Luxuriously private, the backyard feels absolutely neighbor-less, surrounded by hills and trees on all sides.
The majestic mountain views will surely impress and awe all of your friends and family at sunset dinner parties after a nice relaxing day poolside.
An outdoor shower provides a nice au natural cleanse after a dip.
The first of three bedrooms has its own entrance.
This bedroom has gorgeous wood beams and panels plus incredible natural light.
This clerestory window might be mistaken for a piece of artwork, and that was Kappe’s genius – truly blurring the lines between indoors and out.
This primary bedroom has ample storage and closet space.
And an en suite bathroom that is simple and chic with a step-down shower and wonderful white tiles.
The second bedroom has a refurbished and original brick wall adjacent to a wall of glass.
The home has a second full bath and a powder room for guests, plus a dedicated laundry area.
The third bedroom also boasts outdoor access, dreamy redwood panels, and bright light.
Back outside, follow a shaded trail up to an expansive viewing deck.
Up here you’ll find a secret space for relaxing and rejuvenating without another soul in sight.
Kappe, the original founder of SCI-Arc, famously said, “I’ve always sought out the edges, the views, and a feeling of expansiveness.” There’s no better example of this than at 272 Mesa Lila Road.
As an agent, designer, and architecture afficianado, I’ve also been inspired by “Ten Most Important Principles” quote throughout the years which reads as follows:
“I was once asked what I think
are the ten most important principles
that helped make me a successful
architect, planner, and educator…
(1) Think positively, not negatively.
(2) Accept structure but know that it is to be questioned and broken when necessary.
(3) Always be willing to explore, experiment and invent. Do not accept the status quo.
(4) Know yourself and keep your work consistent with who you are and how you think.
(5) Maintain good moral and social values.
(6) Be humble, honest, compassionate, and egalitarian.
(7) Have conviction about your work.
(8) Be open and say yes to most ideas and requests. The good ones will be valuable, the bad ones will cease to exist.
(9) Allow employees and fellow workers freedom and the ability to work to their strengths. Avoid hierarchy.
(10) Money should be the residual of work, not the goal. But do not compromise your worth.”
I would love to give you a private tour of 272 Mesa Lila Road in Glendale’s Verdugo Woodlands. Call me today at (937) 243-2349 or email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com to schedule a visit.
