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Rare Mid-Century Modern ‘Living-Conditioned Home’ for Sale in Northridge, CA

When thinking about Mid-Century Modern housing communities in Southern California, the name Eichler leaps to mind. Less well-known but equally groundbreaking are the “Living-Conditioned Homes” of Northridge, CA. One of these gems has just landed on the market for $627,000.

“This is an exceptional example of their style,” says listing agent David Pass. He notes that the homes have been “undiscovered” with little turnover in ownership over the decades, as well as the more famous Eichler community being nearby. Consider us explorers!

Architects Dan Palmer and William Krisel partnered with developer Sanford Adler to create the modern-style homes in a San Fernando Valley neighborhood. The home designs were “conditioned” to create a modern living experience, and to accommodate the growing number of residents in the area in the late 1950s.

The architects were known for their distinctively designed communities in San Fernando Valley areas as well as similarly mod tract housing in Palm Springs. Their architectural details generally include low-pitched roofs, dramatic entrances, overhanging eaves, and cladding such as concrete block, stucco, and natural stone.

Palmer and Krisel were “well known for their thoughtful application of Modern living ideals on the scale of mass-produced housing,” notes the Los Angeles Conservancy.  The the neighborhood is a “visually stunning” collection of the architects’ designs, which are prized by their owners, many who painstakingly restore them to their original condition.

This three-bedroom, two-bath charmer on the market certainly is a prime example in pristine condition. The exterior walls feature a decorative brick design, adding visual impact to the enclosed front patio.

While elements of the home were updated in the 1980s—including the kitchen and baths—Pass notes that the original elements are the ones that will entice buyers. The post-and-beam construction allows for walls of glass and sliding glass doors in the 1,568-square-foot home.

The large and private yard is ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining. Other features include an enclosed front courtyard, high ceilings with exposed wood beams, low-water landscaping, and mature trees.

Owner Jean Matthews, who has lived in the home for over 40 years, says she had no idea she was buying an iconic design back then. “I never knew it was a ‘Living-Conditioned Home,’” she says. “I just loved the light and drama of the midcentury architecture. … I have tried to respect the architecture and maintain it over the years. What caught my eye was the dramatic entrance. I really, really, really loved it!”

Matthews add that she’ll miss the views of “light, sky, and clouds. I love watching the birds flying across the sky … all available from inside.

“It has been a wonderful home for my family since 1976,” she says. “I hope that someone else will love it as much as we have.”

There’s no doubt a buyer who digs design from that era will snap it up. But don’t expect to get it at list price. With a new generation discovering—and vying—for these Mid-Century Modern masterpieces, it’s sure to go over asking price.

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