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The Ennis House, a landmark Los Angeles residence designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has sold for $18 million, setting a new record price for a Wright-designed home. The sale concludes over a year on the market with an initial asking price of $23 million. This transaction highlights the significant value and complex history of preserving architecturally significant properties, which often require multimillion-dollar investments in restoration.
What is the history and architectural significance of the Ennis House? Built in 1924 for retailers Charles and Mabel Ennis, the home is the last and largest of Frank Lloyd Wright’s textile block houses. This construction method uses pre-cast concrete blocks as both structure and ornamentation. The Ennis House is constructed from approximately 27,000 handmade concrete blocks, each featuring patterns inspired by ancient Mayan designs and made from decomposed granite quarried directly from the hilltop site in Los Feliz. Its dramatic appearance led to a prolific career in film and television, with over 80 appearances in productions like "Blade Runner" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." However, the structure suffered significant damage over the years, notably from the 1994 Northridge earthquake and heavy rains in 2005, leading to its placement on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places in 2005.
What restoration work was undertaken on the property? Following its period of decline, billionaire Ron Burkle purchased the property in 2011 for $4.5 million and undertook a comprehensive, “thoughtful restoration” that cost nearly $17 million. This extensive project, which began stabilization efforts in 2006, involved repairing the unique textile block system and addressing structural issues. The successful completion of this preservation work earned the project a Conservancy Preservation Award in 2008, effectively rescuing the home from its endangered status and restoring its architectural integrity.
What are the features of the restored Ennis House? The restored 6,000-square-foot home includes four bedrooms, three-plus bathrooms, and a guest apartment above the garage. The iconic patterned concrete blocks are a defining feature indoors, complemented by walls of glass framing panoramic city views. Interior highlights include a marble hallway, soaring ceilings, and textile block columns. The property, which was offered furnished, features a formal living room with a balcony, a tiled fireplace, a large dining room with a corner picture window, a vintage kitchen, a billiard and screening room, a library, and a large terrace with a swimming pool.
What does this sale indicate about the market for architecturally significant homes? The sale of the Ennis House for $18 million, while below its initial asking price, establishes a new benchmark for homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This transaction demonstrates that architectural significance and historical provenance can command premium prices, even for properties with a history of substantial repair needs. The sale underscores a critical consideration for buyers of historic homes: the necessity of a specialized inspection to understand ongoing maintenance and preservation costs associated with unique construction methods and materials.
Purchasing a historically significant property requires a clear understanding of its past and future needs. Prospective buyers should always secure a preservation-focused inspection and consult with experts familiar with the specific architectural style to accurately assess long-term value and upkeep.
