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For the first time in its 64-year history, a significant midcentury modern home in Redlands, California, designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, is on the market for $1.2 million. This property presents a rare restoration opportunity for buyers seeking a architecturally significant home with strong structural integrity, requiring updates to flooring and window treatments to achieve its full potential. The 2,724-square-foot residence on 2.4 acres offers a unique chance to own a piece of architectural history.
What Makes This Redlands Property Architecturally Significant? The home’s significance stems from its designer, the late James De Long. A protégé (a person who is guided and supported by an older, more experienced person) of the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, De Long worked alongside him at Taliesin. This residence reflects the midcentury modern principles of simplicity, integration with nature, and innovative use of materials. Key features include a distinctive cross-shaped layout visible from above, vertical wood paneling, and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. These elements are hallmarks of the era's design philosophy, emphasizing strong geometric forms and a connection to the outdoors.
What Are the Key Features and Current Condition of the Home? The property boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with original details like parquet flooring and a carport—a signature midcentury modern feature. The listing explicitly states the home needs modernization, classifying it as a project for a buyer interested in restoration. The "strong architectural bones" include an open layout, ample entertaining spaces, and walls of windows that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. The home is structurally sound but requires cosmetic and functional updates. The current owner has provided digitally rendered "after" shots to help buyers visualize the potential, suggesting updates to drapes and flooring to restore its "original grandeur."
What Should a Potential Buyer Consider Before Purchasing a Restoration Project? Purchasing a historic home for restoration requires a careful assessment of costs and logistics. Based on our experience assessment, buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection by a specialist familiar with midcentury modern construction to evaluate systems like plumbing and electrical. Renovating a property of this caliber often involves balancing historical preservation with modern comforts. Budgeting for specialized materials and craftspeople to maintain architectural integrity is crucial. The outdoor area, complete with a pool, also represents an additional maintenance factor to consider in the overall investment.
How Does the Location in Redlands, CA, Influence the Property's Value? Redlands, a city of approximately 73,000 in San Bernardino County, is part of California's Inland Empire. Its location, about 63 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, offers a more suburban pace while remaining within commuting distance to a major metropolitan area. This setting enhances the property's appeal as a "dream retreat," combining privacy on 2.4 acres with relative accessibility. The value of a historically significant home in a stable market like Redlands is often tied to its uniqueness and the prestige of its architectural pedigree.
Conclusion This James De Long-designed home is a unique find for a specific buyer. The key takeaways are its architectural significance, the clear need for modernization, and the substantial potential it holds. A successful purchase hinges on securing a specialized property inspection and creating a detailed renovation budget that respects the home's historical value while incorporating necessary updates for contemporary living.
