Asking $1.7M, This L.A. Home Is a Love Letter to Sea Ranch

Dwell Staff
·1 min read

Designed by architect R. Nilsen, the wood-wrapped 1978 home is perched in the foothills of the Sierra Madre—and it even inspired a song.

A long, paved drive leads up to the elevated, wood-clad home, surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation. The lower level houses a spacious five-car garage.
A long, paved drive leads up to the elevated, wood-clad home, surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation. The lower level houses a spacious five-car garage.

Location: 646 Alta Vista Drive, Sierra Madre, California

Price: $1,698,000

Architect: R. Nilsen

Year Built: 1978

Footprint: 2,612 (two bedrooms, three baths)

Lot Size: 0.15 acres

From the Agent: "Welcome to Cedarhawke, a contemporary masterpiece perched on an overlook with unparalleled views of the city lights and the canyons of Sierra Madre. Designed by R. Nilsen in a style reminiscent of the architecture of Sea Ranch in Northern California, this home is the manifestation of a love story that started in the late 1940s when two high school sweethearts would park on this very spot, gaze at the stars, and plan their future. They married and raised two children. In 1976, the now empty-nesters were able to purchase the property and build their dream home. Not only does this house have a name, it inspired a song: "Cedarhawke Rag" written by Vincent Matthew Johnson, a family friend and quite famous composer of ragtime tunes. This rustic, contemporary haven offers a truly unique living experience. Every corner of this home reflects thoughtful design and impeccable craftsmanship."

A long, paved drive leads up to the elevated, wood-clad home, surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation. The lower level houses a spacious five-car garage.
A long, paved drive leads up to the elevated, wood-clad home, surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation. The lower level houses a spacious five-car garage.
In contrast to the wood-clad exterior, crisp, white walls and ceilings await inside, complementing the various shaped windows and sliding glass doors which usher in ample natural light.
In contrast to the wood-clad exterior, crisp, white walls and ceilings await inside, complementing the various shaped windows and sliding glass doors which usher in ample natural light.

See the full story on Dwell.com: Asking $1.7M, This L.A. Home Is a Love Letter to Sea Ranch
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