There is no mystery about the allure of this Westcliff modern, but its eye-catching façade regularly makes necks crane as it is truly worthy of a good gawking.
The classic modern is composed of interesting sculptural blocks creating multiple levels. Plus, it’s embedded on a gorgeous verdant sloping lot and still has a timeless appeal after over 40 years. And this property has only been on the market once 20 years ago.
A Westcliff Modern Designed by Robert L. Wright
The mystery concerns the 1981 build’s architect, Robert L. Wright. The striking hilltop creation was the architect’s own home for many years. Two adjacent houses were also a part of his oeuvre. The trail grows cold there. Anybody who wants an internet presence these days can have one so it comes as something of a surprise when you come up blank in a Google search. Perhaps one of our readers will supply some background.
Far more important and substantial than the ephemera of the internet is the legacy enjoyed by a fortunate few of solid work that survives them.
The three-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bath residence spread over 3,000 square feet displays fluency and confidence in the modern idiom. The construction takes advantage of the setting, employing floor-to-ceiling windows to frame striking views of the grand, mature trees for which the Westcliff area is known. In the living room, double-height walls offer gallery space for art. Floors in many of the rooms are travertine tile.
Stepping up from the living room you arrive at the dining room. Spaces in the house are demarcated by changes in level as much as by walls.
The kitchen terminates in a breakfast area with a conservatory-style window wall which gives the illusion of dining in a tree house. Window packages are one of the big ticket items in any builder’s budget and bespoke fenestration is one of the essential embellishments of the residence.
At mid-level is an additional living area. Space has been deftly managed to allow for several unexpected private areas.
Three of the bedrooms are suites with their own baths. The principal bedroom enjoys a spacious living area. The luxurious, attached bath features luxurious multicolor marble floors, walls, and countertops. The plumbing hardware and mirrored walls look vintage chic.
At the very top is an office aerie with tree-top views that could be converted into a fourth bedroom.
Don’t let the palm trees fool you. The glamorous back isn’t in LA or Palm Springs. The free-form pool occupies nearly the entire terrace of the back garden. The Westcliff location places residents near Overton Park, Trader Joe’s, and minutes from the Shops at Clearfork.
Ted Olsen and Ida Duwe-Olsen with Compass Real Estate have priced 3855 Bellaire Dr. South at $1.2 million.
