A Midcentury Time Capsule House Is Available for the First Time in Nearly 70 Years
In 1948, prominent housebuilder Harry L. Brittain tapped his close friend Raphael Van Buren Livingston to design a home for his family. Working with a nearly 29,000-square-foot lot, the USC-trained architect created a distinctive residence that unfolds on a grand scale.
Available for the first time since the 1950s, the Brittain-Wachs Residence is a unique slice of architectural history. The 4,300-square-foot home overlooks an expansive green lawn.
The star of the home is a two-story garden room. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows ushers sunlight into the voluminous space, from which several other living areas branch off.
Located in the California community of Lakewood Country Club Estates, the large property sits directly across from the golf course. The meticulously maintained midcentury home encapsulates a treasure trove of original details—including beamed ceilings, birch-paneled walls, and built-in furnishings.
The large garden room features walls clad in richly textured Birch wood, an asphalt tile floor, and exposed joists along the ceiling.
A band of clerestory windows runs along the south side of the garden room. Sliding glass doors separate the space from a formal dining room.
Designed with entertaining in mind, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom home is centered around a spacious two-story garden room. A band of south-facing clerestory windows and a floor-to-ceiling glazed wall bathe the open space in natural light from sunrise to sunset.
Branching off the central room are additional living areas—including a family/music room, a dining area, and a kitchen. A fenced-in pool and detached pool house are located at one corner of the lot, while mature fruit trees line the other corners.
A closer look at the formal dining area, which features custom-built cabinetry and moldings. A bright blue rug contrasts with the asphalt tile floors.
A large living room is located off the garden room. Here, expansive windows overlook the side yard and an emerald-green carpet pops in the sunlit space.
Since its completion in 1948, the residence only changed hands once when the Wachs family purchased it in the 1950s—thus giving the home its landmarked name, the Brittain-Wachs Residence. After tenderly caring for the home over a nearly 70-year period, the Wachs are now seeking a new owner for the iconic property. Scroll ahead to see more of the home, which is currently listed for $1,680,000.
In total, the home offers four bedrooms. The large master suite features a private balcony and a wall of glass overlooking the backyard and swimming pool.
This half bath offers original fixtures and finishes—including stained glass windows and a mint-green sink and toilet.
A large sunroom fills in another corner of the home. Encased in glass, the large space provides direct access to the patio and lawn.
The swimming pool at the north end of the property is an idyllic place to gather and enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather.
4246 Lakewood Drive in Lakewood, CA, is currently listed for $1,680,000 by Nate Cole of Unique California Property.
Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.
Published
Get the Dwell Newsletter
Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.