William T. Georgis’s home in La Jolla, California.
Photo: Roger Davies
Architect William T. Georgis Lists Midcentury Masterpiece for $5.5 Million
Originally designed by William Lumpkins in 1955, the Southern California residence has been artfully updated and meticulously maintained
Georgis is seated poolside in a vintage Maurizio Tempestini chair for Salterini. Photo: Roger Davies
Architect William T. Georgis’s artfully updated 1955 Southern California bungalow has hit the market for $5.5 million. “It’s all about the views, views, views,” Georgis tells Galerie of what initially drew him and his longtime partner, the late art curator and consultant Richard Marshall, to the gated La Jolla home, which they acquired in 2011. Indeed, the 2,800-square-foot hillside stunner, which once graced the cover of Galerie, features unobstructed vistas that stretch from the rugged Pacific coastline into neighboring Orange County.
“An extraordinary amount of work went into the renovation,” he adds. “We completely gutted the interiors and reconfigured the floor plan so it became a two-bedroom instead of four.” The 18-month update also saw structural steel installed to raise the ceiling heights and a retaining wall added in order to make way for an outdoor pool. The lush landscaping, meanwhile, was overseen by Judy Kameon of Elysian Landscapes and features exotic drought-resistant plants.
The hillside La Jolla home was built in 1955. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
There are also numerous artistic interventions throughout, such as the colorful abstract dining room mural created by American artist Kim MacConnel. While that work is not included in the sale price, numerous bespoke elements are, among them the double-wide poolside chaise, a fire pit–adjacent sofa, cerused-oak paneling and cabinetry in the library, and a custom bar.
When asked what he’ll miss the most about parting with the property, Georgis doesn’t hesitate: “Being on the terrace overlooking the ocean,” he says. “The buyer has to want to be happy, because this place will make you happy.”
The home is listed with Linda Sansone and Deborah Greenspan of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty. See more photos below.
Views from the terrace stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
The landing is sheathed in Phillip Jeffries grass cloth. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
Specially commissioned abstract panels by Kim MacConnel wrap around the dining room. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
Cerused-oak cabinetry in the library. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
A salon-style display in the guest room that doubles as an office. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
One of the baths. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
One of the tubs comes with ocean views. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
The lush landscaping was overseen by Judy Kameon of Elysian Landscapes. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
Georgis added a retaining wall to make way for a pool. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
The outdoor dining area is paved with Mexican limestone. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
One of the fire pit lounge areas. Photo: Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
Cover: William T. Georgis’s home in La Jolla, California.
Photo: Roger Davies
