Architectural History for Sale

Grant House of Crestwood Hills—a slice of architect A. Quincy Jones’ ‘blue-sky vision’
By Adriene Biondo
Fridays on the Homefront
A rare architectural gem, the Grant House of Crestwood Hills stands as a testament to A. Quincy Jones' mid-century vision. It is now for sale. All photos: Engel Studios

The 160 homes built for Los Angeles' storied Crestwood Hills circa 1950 rarely go up for sale, but when one does, the occasion always seems to brighten our smile. Like right now.

On the market for only the second time in 75 years, the Grant House, designed by master architect A. Quincy Jones, represents an inspiring example of Crestwood Hills architecture.

Intended as a 'Blueprint for California Living' when conceived in the late 1940s, Crestwood Hills was headed up by Jones (1913-1979), who would launch his long and prolific career with Eichler Homes in the years that followed.

 

Fridays on the Homefront

Crestwood's design team also included such notable players as architect Whitney Smith, engineer Edgardo Contini, and landscape architect Garrett Eckbo.

Though never fully realized, Crestwood Hills was a 'blue-sky vision' that was launched to custom-design 500 modern homes on 825 acres in the then-uninhabited Santa Monica Mountains.

Founded as the Mutual Housing Association (later renamed Crestwood Hills), the Los Angeles-based cooperative included studio musicians, educators, and writers. Our feature home, the Grant House, is one of the 160 originals.

 

Fridays on the Homefront
The entryway sets the tone for the home's interior.

Located at 815 Bramble Way, the single-family residence, built in 1950, is listed at $4,195 mil by Lauren Ravitz of Berkshire Hathaway.

Speaking to the tough times that Los Angeleans have been experiencing since the region's tragic fires, Ravitz says, "I think that my client never had the intention of selling the property, but these recent events have invigorated something in him that is calling him to the Palisades."

For those who can't replace what they had, Ravitz is finding that "most sellers are looking for something a little different. This property is a jewel box of another time but with today's amenities, with two gracious side yards completely enclosed and private."

 

Fridays on the Homefront
Original concrete block walls and floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room."

This exceptional 1,951-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath residence embodies the distinctive elements of A. Quincy Jones' architectural vision, framed by clean lines and geometric simplicity.

Vaulted ceilings amplify the sense of space and light, complimented by original clerestory windows and concrete block walls that balance openness with privacy.

Current owner Schuyler Dietz, a real estate developer, says, "I had planned to stay here, but since the fires I feel a sense of obligation to help rebuild in the Palisades, and to relocate there."

A devoted student of architecture, Dietz points out, "I'm a huge fan of Eichler. In fact, I wrote my senior paper on Eichler. And it was [architect, author, and Crestwood resident] Cory Buckner who referred me to 815 Bramble."