Architect Frederick Fisher’s Caplin House—Designed While He Was Working for Frank Gehry—Asks $3.5M
Situated blocks from Venice Beach and the popular Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California, the 1979 Caplin House marks the first solo project by renowned architect Frederick Fisher, who worked in Frank Gehry’s office in the 1970s before he launched his eponymous firm in 1981.
The Caplin House in Venice, California, marks the first solo project by award-winning architect Frederick Fisher, who worked in Frank Gehry’s office in the 1970s before he launched his own firm in 1981.
Fisher designed the idiosyncratic, 2,684-square-foot residence for the family of artist Laurie Caplin and composer Loren-Paul Caplin toward the end of his time in Gehry’s office. Laurie, who had previously lived on a boat on the Seine in France, wanted to bring a nautical feeling to her new dwelling. In response, Fisher designed the home with a curved roof that looks like a boat hull from the inside and a rolling wave from the outside—an homage to the nearby ocean and Venice’s surf culture.
Fisher designed the 2,684-square-foot residence for the family of artist Laurie Caplin and composer Loren-Paul Caplin in 1979.
Laurie, who had lived on a boat on the Seine in France, wanted to bring a nautical feeling to the dwelling. Fisher designed the home with a curved roof that looks like a boat hull from the inside and a rolling wave from the outside—an homage to the nearby ocean and local surf culture.
The home is anchored by a two-story central atrium with an exposed-beam ceiling and oversize skylights. Just off the main living area, a chef’s kitchen with stainless-steel Viking appliances, wooden cabinets, and a large island steps down into a light-filled office with custom furniture handcrafted by woodworker Shin Okuda of Waka Waka Studio in Los Angeles.
The architecturally significant home has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal, as well as many architecture books, journals, and magazines.
Currently owned by the University of Southern California’s Dean of Religious Life, Dr. Varun Soni, the meticulously restored residence is now listed for $3,495,000.
A two-story central atrium with an exposed-beam ceiling is illuminated by oversize skylights.
Just off the atrium is a chef’s kitchen with stainless-steel Viking appliances and a double oven.
A large island anchors the kitchen, while built-in wooden cabinets provide ample storage.
The kitchen steps down into a light-filled office with custom furniture handcrafted by woodworker Shin Okuda of Waka Waka Studio in Los Angeles.
From the ground level of the central atrium, a double staircase leads to an open walkway with lofted balconies and a library nook. This narrow passageway encircles the atrium and connects the three upstairs bedrooms.
A double staircase leads to the home’s upper level, which houses the three bedrooms.
The open walkway encircles the central atrium and includes a library nook and lofted balconies.
The principal bedroom includes a cozy window nook that overlooks the front yard and an en suite bathroom with a double shower and tub. Clerestory windows flood both spaces with natural light. One of the other bedrooms features a lofted area—accessible by ladder—as well as a private balcony with a bright-yellow staircase that leads to a sunny roof deck with panoramic views. Keep scrolling to see more of Frederick Fisher’s 1979 Caplin House, which is currently listed for $3,495,000.
The principal bedroom includes a charming window nook that overlooks the front yard.
The principal bath includes a double shower and a tub. Clerestory windows and skylights flood the interior with sunshine.
Another bedroom features a lofted area in addition to an en suite bathroom and a private balcony.
A bright-yellow staircase leads from the private balcony to a roof deck with panoramic views.
The home’s multiple outdoor spaces include a front yard, patio, and roof deck.
Located in the heart of Venice Beach, the 1979 Caplin House features two outdoor "surfer" showers—one in the front yard, and one on the roof deck.
229 San Juan Avenue in Venice, California, is currently listed for $3,495,000 by Billy Rose and Natasha Sizlo of The Agency.
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