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A Richard Neutra Masterpiece Hits the Market in Bel Air

The $10.5-million home boasts views from the city to the sea

By Geoffrey Montes
Modern hillside house with large windows surrounded by lush greenery at sunset.
Neutra’s Hammerman House in Los Angeles. Photo: Jim Bartsch

The year was 1954, and two young newlyweds had asked California-modernism pioneer Richard Neutra to design this Bel Air stunner as their dream home. Some half a century later, philanthropist Adele Binder acquired it from the couple, along with the original drawings for an unrealized second story.

Enlisting preservation-minded architect John Bertram, Binder used the plans to orchestrate a $2.5-million expansion, and now the resulting 4,300-square-foot four-bedroom structure—which sits on half an acre and includes a pool—is crowned by a glass-walled master suite with sweeping views from city to sea.

See below for a look around the home.

Modern house with large windows and a driveway surrounded by lush greenery and trees at sunset.
The four-bedroom home was originally completed in 1954 and expanded in 2004. Jim Bartsch

Modern house with large glass windows and lush landscaping at sunset.
The sloping front garden. Jim Bartsch

Modern house with large glass windows and balcony overlooking a lush garden setting.
The kitchen and living area open onto a terrace. Jim Bartsch

Modern kitchen with glass walls, dark tiled floor, white chairs, and a dining table overlooking a forested view.
The dining area and kitchen. Jim Bartsch

Modern open-plan living and dining area with large windows, sleek furniture, and a view of trees and sky.
Slate floors provide a chic contrast to the window walls. Jim Bartsch

Modern dining area with glass table, white chairs, large windows, and view of lush greenery outside.
The lush view from the dining area adds an air of privacy. Jim Bartsch

Modern house with large glass windows and a swimming pool in the foreground, surrounded by trees during sunset.
The pool court. Jim Bartsch

Modern living room with black sectional sofa, abstract artwork, round coffee table, and stairs leading to a glass door.
The second level was added in the early 2000s by Neutra scholar and architect John Bertram. Jim Bartsch

Modern bedroom with large windows, white bedding, and a cozy lounge chair overlooking a scenic outdoor view.
View from the second floor’s terrazzo-paved master bedroom. Jim Bartsch

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2018 Summer Issue under the headline On the Market. Subscribe to the magazine.