Ridglea Hills is well known for being prime hunting grounds for fans of Midcentury Modern houses, and this popular Westside enclave boasts many fine examples of this persistently popular vernacular. However, even by Ridglea standards, this Locke Avenue listing is a stellar standout.
Complete With Original Charm
Sadly, many Ridglea residences have been subjected to radical renovations that rob them of their original conception. Happily, this 1946-built spread has been carefully tended and retains its unique plan. The 5,500-square-foot elegantly rambles on one floor, with one enchanting space unfolding onto another linked together without hallways.
The interior looks like a time warp. Perhaps House Beautiful circa 1958? In fact, does anyone remember the episode of “I Love Lucy” in which Caroline Appleby redecorates her apartment in Chinese Modern? If memory serves, Lucy was less than thrilled, but the Chinese Modern vibe beginning with the handle on the red front door is done with such panache that it’s hard not to succumb.
Golden Opportunity
Travertine floors run from the entry to the sprawling living area. Ceilings in the living and dining rooms are a warm burnished gold. Furnishings sustain the ambience. The fireplace, with its slender Roman bricks, is boldly one-of-a-kind with a forceful horizontal thrust. Storage and shelves line the walls.
Nary an opportunity is missed, with every room chock full of canny invention. Don’t miss the beautiful Chinese screens that serve as sliding doors for the bold, paired standing cabinets flanking the room’s entrance.
The kitchen is positively cavernous and fully stocked, including a Sub-Zero fridge freezer, a warming drawer, and two Marvel wine coolers. A slender floating soffit in Chinese red lacquer houses lengths of over counter lighting. The cabinets are gorgeously simple. Plain slab doors are stained in an alluring sage with sui generis pulls.
The primary bedroom — one of five — at 540 square feet is the size of an efficiency apartment with views of the back garden. It shares a cozy fireplace with the bath.
An Indoor Dip
The expansive indoor, saltwater pool is housed in an interior garden illuminated by skylights. The pool room has views of the charming — you guessed it — Asian-themed garden.
Even the trellis atop the fence has Asian motifs. The garden comes to a crescendo in the stony hill executed with zen-like planed randomness over which trickles a charming water feature.
By now you are probably asking what the downside is. The listing states that the house is priced under market value to allow a buyers a budget for adding a garage.
Jeff Anderson of League Real Estate is offering 6141 Locke Avenue for $895,000.
