There's one house in our neighborhood I've always wanted to see on the inside. A few days ago "for sale" signs went up and yesterday I saw an "open house" sign AND the nanny was with Gemma so I felt it was a sign from God! So many signs!
I never thought this house would go up for sale. The owner, an architect, rebuilt it himself after a fire that nearly burnt it to the ground back in the 70's. Some sort of structure must have been preserved because it has the same bones and layout as ours. Except it has a second floor office/loft. Sadly, once I spoke to the realtors I found out why it is for sale.
The owner passed away a few months ago. He was still working, designing a new home up until two days before he passed. He and his wife, also gone, have two daughters. One of his granddaughters became an architect because of his inspiration. She got married in the backyard this past weekend before putting the house on the market.
The house is immaculate. The details and his understanding of the Mid Century philosophy are seen in every single room. Every closet has built in storage which he made. Beautiful built in storage that would cost you a fortune to install today. Every room has beautiful floor to ceiling windows with gardens right outside. The flow of the house is seamless. It is a retreat.
I left the house feeling immensely sad. I regret never visiting him. I regret not getting to know him. What was left in the house was enough to tell me that he was an inspiration. You can tell he saw the world through different eyes and with a different sensibility than most. I think his name was Rudy. I spoke to him twice, very briefly. Once he said our house was looking good. And the second time he said basically the same, that it was coming along and I said it was taking a long time. He said houses do take a while to get where you want them. Often decades but they eventually get there.
When I walked inside Rudy's house yesterday I remembered his compliment "your house is looking good", and I realized what a HUGE compliment that was coming from him.
If you are true love of Mid Century architecture you must come see this home. I pray whoever buys it keeps it as is and continues to take care of it and preserve not just the era but the spirit of this man.
You can see the listing at Lewis and Associates.
Labels: for sale, Krisel, Mid Century, neighbors
