7147 Woodrow Wilson Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
$1,700,000 | 2 Beds | 1 Bath | 1,136 Sq. Ft. | Price/Sq.Ft. $1,496 | 2,789 Sq. Ft. Lot | Built in 1959
Whenever one of architect’s Harry Gesner’s legendary boat houses hit the market, which isn’t often, I write about them. This collection of landmark homes are clad in warm wood with angled ceilings, built-in furniture and glass facades giving Gesner’s “boat houses” their name. Of the all the boat houses perched on the hillsides above Cahuenga Pass along Pacific View Drive and Woodrow Wilson Drive, 7147 Woodrow Wilson Drive is perhaps my favorite of all.
According to a 1959 Los Angeles Times article on the boat house Gesner designed for bathing suit designer Fred Cole, the architect’s design aimed to combine the relaxed feeling of a Tahitian hut with the strength and friendly warmth of a mountain cabin. These exciting, inviting houses are wonderful examples of atypical Mid-Century Modern design in Los Angeles.
Neither too large or too opulent, but absolutely iconic, the homes are fascinating for their siting and outside-the-box designs. Constructed in the late 1950s, the wood boat houses cling to lots only 25 to 30 feet wide and are cantilevered out beyond the edges of steep slopes with the reward of amazing views and a wonderful and unique treehouse-like feel.
Gesner is one of Southern California’s best architects, if a bit unsung when compared to his mid-century modern contemporaries. That should change with the restoration of 7147 Woodrow Wilson Drive. Gesner was fearless when he welcomed the challenge of building on these lots, seeing each design as an opportunity to create site-specific sculptures. The houses have dramatic clipped gable rooflines best viewed from afar, where you can also see the glass walls that comprise their rear façades.
Perched majestically atop a bluff in the Hollywood Hills, this architectural masterpiece commands sweeping vistas of the canyon and the bustling city below.
Stepping inside you will immediately be awe-struck by the residence’s captivating wood-beamed ceilings and walls of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Crafted by skilled Norwegian shipbuilders hired by Gesner in 1959, the home exudes warmth and hospitality especially in the living room with its sleek mid-century fireplace, wood beams, and built-in seating.
The Norwegian shipbuilders reportedly shaped the wood structural members and finishes of the home with handaxes rather than saws.
Upon entry, there’s a wild step-up loft that is currently used as an office space with built-in bookshelves and floating storage. I’ve seen some of the other boat houses use this flexible space as a relaxing reading nook or sleeping loft, or as a petite yoga or workout room.
The A-frame design of the living area embraces natural light through its expansive windows, unveiling breathtaking canyon views.
The kitchen has been stylishly updated with marble counter tops, a chef-grade gas range, double oven, and a top-of-the-line stainless steel refrigerator. Notice also the skylight that drenches the kitchen in natural sunshine.
The terrace gracefully extends from the living room, offering an idyllic sanctuary to unwind or entertain while gazing upon the iconic Hollywood sign and the valley below.
Notice your Gesner-designed neighbors across the way on Pacific View.
Its two generously sized bedrooms and well-appointed bathroom ensure comfort and style. One of the bedrooms boasts a distinctive slanted glass wall and beamed construction, infusing the space with architectural intrigue and unparalleled vistas of the surrounding foliage and sky. I, for one, would feel incredibly lucky waking up to this incredible view and, needless to say, I’d sleep like a baby at night.
The bathroom has likewise been updated and features tall ceilings, beautiful black hardware, a luxurious shower, and plenty of closet and storage space.
The views from this private sanctuary are nothing short of breathtaking. Located just moments away from Runyon Canyon, major studios, and freeways, this extraordinary home has had everything from the bottom, inside and out, renovated with countless upgrades.
You’ll swiftly fall in love with the boat house’s – boat home? Let’s just make “boat home” a thing – ingenius covered deck, the expanse of glass, and the wide open floor plans. While there’s a small collection of Gesner’s boat homes in Cahuenga Pass, 7147 Woodrow Wilson is absolutely one-of-a-kind.
I would love to give you a private tour of Harry Gesner’s legendary and landmark boat house located at 7147 Woodrow Wilson Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Call me today at (937) 243-2349 or email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com to schedule a visit.
