This Restored Cliff May Home Just Hit the Market at $849K

Tucked behind a concrete block wall and shaded by mature California Sycamores, this 1954 midcentury offers a peaceful oasis in Long Beach.
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Legendary architect Cliff May forever left a mark on the architectural world with his creation of the first California ranch-style home in 1932. Throughout the next few decades, he designed more than 1,000 custom homes across the U.S., with many of these projects located in Southern California, including the regions around San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. Currently, one of his signature Rancho Estates homes is listed on the market, but chances are it won't stay there for very long.

Perched on a tree-lined street in Long Beach, California, this Rancho Estates home was designed by late architect Cliff May in 1954 and was recently restored by its current owners.

Perched on a tree-lined street in Long Beach, California, this Rancho Estates home was designed by late architect Cliff May in 1954 and was recently restored by its current owners.

Built in 1954, this three-bedroom abode is pleasantly positioned away from the street behind a cinderblock wall. With no neighboring homes behind it, the residence is surrounded by mature California Sycamore trees, providing a peaceful, private setting. 

Set on a 5,556-square foot lot, the majority of the home is tucked behind a cinderblock wall facing the street. Mature Sycamore trees surrounding the property provide ample shading, allowing the landscaped outdoor areas to be enjoyed even on the warmest of days.

Set on a 5,556-square foot lot, the majority of the home is tucked behind a cinderblock wall facing the street. Mature Sycamore trees surrounding the property provide ample shading, allowing the landscaped outdoor areas to be enjoyed even on the warmest of days.

Sprawling across 1,245 square feet, the interior space presents a striking blank canvas for living within an extraordinarily authentic Cliff May–designed masterpiece. The post-and-beam construction features an open floor plan, along with vast walls of glass and original Birch paneling.

Walls of windows usher in an abundance of light throughout the home's spacious, open layout.

Walls of windows usher in an abundance of light throughout the home's spacious, open layout.

All of the home's signature windows and doors are still intact, as is the rich original Birch paneling and post-and-beam construction. An atypical VCT tile lines the interior flooring.

All of the home's signature windows and doors are still intact, as is the rich original Birch paneling and post-and-beam construction. An atypical VCT tile lines the interior flooring.

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The current owners have meticulously restored the property, while also adding contemporary updates, such as electric panels and stainless steel appliances, as well as a new heating/air unit; however, original cabinetry was retained wherever possible, and the pale-yellow Western Holly gas cooktop and oven remain in the kitchen. Scroll ahead to peek inside the rest of the home, currently listed for $849,000.

In the kitchen, a new Quartz counter tops the central island. The original cabinetry and pale-yellow Western Holly oven enhance the house's vintage aesthetic, paying homage to the past. 

In the kitchen, a new Quartz counter tops the central island. The original cabinetry and pale-yellow Western Holly oven enhance the house's vintage aesthetic, paying homage to the past. 

The property features a total of three bedrooms, all of which can easily be converted into various spaces such as a home office or studio, depending on the buyer's needs.

The property features a total of three bedrooms, all of which can easily be converted into various spaces such as a home office or studio, depending on the buyer's needs.

Similar to the rest of the property, the bathroom boasts a clean, crisp white palette, and is well lit thanks to the sliding horizontal window above the shower/tub.

Similar to the rest of the property, the bathroom boasts a clean, crisp white palette, and is well lit thanks to the sliding horizontal window above the shower/tub.

Many of the rooms provide direct access to the backyard area. The vaulted ceiling and expansive windows and doors allow the interiors to feel much larger than its actual size.

Many of the rooms provide direct access to the backyard area. The vaulted ceiling and expansive windows and doors allow the interiors to feel much larger than its actual size.

The house is located near a spectacular nature preserve, as well as the San Gabriel River path. 

The house is located near a spectacular nature preserve, as well as the San Gabriel River path. 

3102 Stevely Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90808 is currently listed for $849,000 by Nate Cole of Unique California Property.

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