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For a unique opportunity to own two distinct, architecturally significant homes on a single six-acre parcel, 3947 Markridge Rd in La Crescenta, California, presents a rare offering. Priced at $7.9 million, the property features a 1953 Richard Neutra-designed residence and the 2009 Pittman-Dowell Residence by Michael Maltzan. This combination provides a living study in contrasting architectural philosophies, all while offering extreme privacy just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The core conclusion for potential buyers is the chance to acquire a collectible property that serves as both a private retreat and a strategic investment in architectural history.
What is the history of the Richard Neutra house on the property?
The original structure is a 1,350-square-foot home constructed in 1953 by renowned modernist architect Richard Neutra. It was commissioned for his secretary, poet Dorothy Serulnic, and her husband, George Serulnic, a violist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Designed as an artist's retreat, the home is considered one of Neutra's most thoughtful and stylish works. Despite its modest square footage, the residence feels expansive due to its signature floor-to-ceiling windows and public rooms that frame spectacular vistas of the adjacent Angeles National Forest. Key architectural details that define the mid-century modern style include a Bear Valley stone fireplace and classic built-in sofa and cabinetry, hallmarks of Neutra's focus on integrating interior and exterior spaces.
How does the Michael Maltzan-designed home complement the Neutra?
In 2009, the then-owners, artists Lari Pittman and Roy Dowell, commissioned architect Michael Maltzan to design a second, larger residence on the property. The 2,500-square-foot Pittman-Dowell Residence is a heptagonal (seven-sided) structure that presents a striking contrast to the Neutra home. Where the Neutra house is open and linear, the Maltzan design is introspective and geometric, featuring a series of triangles and polygons. The rooms are arranged around a raised interior open courtyard, which acts as the core of the architectural experience. This design creates a circular journey through the interior, offering a completely different spatial dynamic. The listing agent describes the relationship as extraordinary, with the newer home's angles and inner courtyard playing off the straight lines and openness of the original.
What are the practical benefits of the property's location and layout?
The property's six-acre hilltop location borders the Angeles National Forest, ensuring unparalleled privacy with no immediate neighbors. The two homes are connected by a path through an otherworldly landscape of cacti, allowing them to function independently. Based on our experience assessment, this layout is ideal for use as a main residence with a guesthouse, or for accommodating extended family. A significant advantage is the proximity to urban amenities; the estate feels remote yet is approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. This makes it a more accessible retreat for design-focused buyers compared to destinations like Palm Springs. The agent has suggested the property is well-suited as a second or third home for discerning owners.
Is there potential for further development on the land?
A key aspect of this offering is the presence of an additional buildable parcel. The current owners selected a site originally identified by Neutra himself for the second home, indicating there is at least one more prime location suitable for construction. This presents an opportunity for a new owner to commission a third structure, potentially creating a truly custom architectural compound. This flexibility adds considerable value, allowing the property to evolve based on the owner's vision, whether for additional guest accommodations, a studio, or another residence.
In summary, 3947 Markridge Rd is more than a real estate transaction; it is an acquisition of architectural legacy. The contrasting designs of Neutra and Maltzan provide a unique living experience on a private, expansive lot. The practical advice for a buyer is to view this as a long-term investment in a one-of-a-kind property with proven historical value and future potential. The proximity to Los Angeles combined with the feeling of a remote retreat makes it a highly functional and prestigious asset. For those seeking a home with profound architectural significance and flexible usage, this compound represents a singular opportunity in the 2026 real estate market.
