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When a well-preserved, midcentury modern home built by an esteemed architect hits the market, design enthusiasts typically jump at the opportunity to own a piece of history.
That was the case when the Crail Residence—a 1,878-square-foot wood house designed by architect George Letts—last changed hands.
The current owners, who purchased the property in the Los Angeles suburb of Woodland Hills, CA, were excited to find the 1966 post-and-beam home in its original condition. They lovingly restored it, while keeping with its modernist roots.
“The home was a collaboration between the owner, Charles Crail, an aerospace engineer who acted as his own contractor, and the architect, George Letts,” says the listing agent, Brian Linder with Compass.
He adds that Crail and his wife, Jean, lived in the house for decades. After Charles’ death, Jean sold the place in 2019 to the current owners—an interior designer and a screenwriter.
Now, the home is ready for its next chapter. It arrived on the market in early November for $1.4 million and was just sold for $1,565,000—12% above the asking price.
Linder says the new owners also purchased a vacant parcel next door to preserve the view and the numerous live oak trees on the lot.
Crail Residence in Woodland Hills, CA
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Backyard
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Mature oak trees on the property
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Original midcentury modern features
One of the property’s major selling points is its unmistakably midcentury modern style. It boasts clean lines, an open floor plan, and a simple yet functional aesthetic. And like any well-maintained modernist dwelling, it comes with a number of authentic interior features, too.
“The wood post-and-beam structure, barrel-vaulted roof design, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, clerestory windows, and slump stone fireplace are all quintessentially midcentury modern,” says Linder. “The kitchen and bathrooms are vintage, with Formica countertops, a Gaffers & Sattler double oven, and a Perma Bilt range hood above the electric cooktop—state of the art at the time.”
The home is also distinctly midcentury modern in the way it celebrates the natural landscape. It’s situated on a woodsy knoll, and the abundance of windows “dissolves the boundary between indoors and outdoors, connecting the inhabitants directly to nature,” says Linder.
Other noteworthy features inside the four-bedroom residence include a breakfast bar, gym, private balcony off the primary bedroom, and central air conditioning.
“This sale represents the opportunity to take over stewardship of a classic midcentury modern home in very original condition but with tasteful updates by the current owners,” says Linder, noting that the property also offers buyers the best of both worlds. “The home is on a large lot in a semirural setting, yet it’s minutes from the city.”
Living room
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Living room
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Kitchen
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