A Rare Neutra-Designed Studio Lists for the First Time at $1.6M

Set in Santa Monica, the restored pied-à-terre was built for notable writer David Malcolmson in 1936.
Text by

An architectural gem is now on the market in Santa Monica, California. Perched at the top of a terraced garden lot, the small yet airy residence was originally designed in 1936 by pioneering architect Richard Neutra for local writer David Malcolmson. Over the years, the 523-square-foot space has been widely acclaimed, but has never been up for grabs—until now.

The David Malcolmson Guest House, also known as the Baby Grand Piano Studio, is set on a quiet street in Santa Monica Canyon. Malcolmson, a local writer, tapped Neutra to custom design the home, which was completed in 1936 and is now recognized as an early example of modernist architecture. 

The David Malcolmson Guest House, also known as the Baby Grand Piano Studio, is set on a quiet street in Santa Monica Canyon. Malcolmson, a local writer, tapped Neutra to custom design the home, which was completed in 1936 and is now recognized as an early example of modernist architecture. 

Meticulously restored to its original condition, the Baby Grand Piano Studio offers a rare chance to live and/or work in one of Neutra’s early modernist projects. Featuring an open-concept layout that can easily accommodate various needs, the dwelling also has an expansive curved wall of windows that frames striking views of the terraced garden below. 

The home sits perched at the top of a terraced lot, and is accessed via a brick walkway located along the rear facade. Towering, mature trees and verdant landscaping unite to create a quiet, secluded oasis in the heart of the city.

The home sits perched at the top of a terraced lot, and is accessed via a brick walkway located along the rear facade. Towering, mature trees and verdant landscaping unite to create a quiet, secluded oasis in the heart of the city.

A steel-and-wood staircase lead to the main entrance, which opens to the free-flowing layout.

A steel-and-wood staircase lead to the main entrance, which opens to the free-flowing layout.

The kitchen, sited right off the entrance, includes all new stainless steel appliances, as well as plenty of custom cabinetry. The bathroom is well lit, and features a large, tiled tub. Steps away, a walk-in wardrobe offers additional storage. 

A long, curvaceous wall of windows flood the 523-square-foot space with natural light, while also capturing striking views of the garden below and canyon beyond. 

A long, curvaceous wall of windows flood the 523-square-foot space with natural light, while also capturing striking views of the garden below and canyon beyond. 

Located in the coveted Santa Monica Canyon, the studio offers quick access to the beach, as well as a number of parks, restaurants, and shops. Scroll ahead to see inside more of the space, listed for $1,580,000.

Another view of the studio highlights the open layout, as well as the illuminated interior.

Another view of the studio highlights the open layout, as well as the illuminated interior.

Hardwood floors continue into the walk-in wardrobe, where plentiful storage space awaits.

Hardwood floors continue into the walk-in wardrobe, where plentiful storage space awaits.

While small in size, the kitchen is well equipped with new appliances. White subway tiles contrast the sleek black countertops, which offer ample room for meal prepping.

While small in size, the kitchen is well equipped with new appliances. White subway tiles contrast the sleek black countertops, which offer ample room for meal prepping.

Mint-green tiles lining the shower and tub add a hint of color in the bright, remodeled bathroom.

Mint-green tiles lining the shower and tub add a hint of color in the bright, remodeled bathroom.

A peek at the back of the home showcases the long, curved wall of windows and terraced lot.

A peek at the back of the home showcases the long, curved wall of windows and terraced lot.

491 Mesa Road in Santa Monica, California, is currently listed for $1,580,000 by James Respondek and Antonia Mollica of Sotheby’s International Realty – Pacific Palisades Brokerage.

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 Real Estate Newsletter

From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.