Tale of Two Thorgusens

Robert 'Boulder' Thorgusen was not familiar to us when two of the Southern California architect's remarkable works caught our eye recently. However, his pair of MCM gems made us true believers.

To our surprise, the two Thorgusen designs are not only located adjacent to each other in the Hollywood Hills, both have come on the market at the exact same time, and with considerable buzz.

With a dramatic vision that took nature into consideration at every turn, Thorgusen created these two dynamic living spaces in the 1950s, incorporating rhythmic, zigzag folded-plate roofs that mirror intriguing varying-height indoor ceilings.

For the exterior of the two homes, he collaborated with master landscape architect Garrett Eckbo, making a modernist statement set into a forested landscape dotted with tranquil ponds and pools.

Known as 'The Forest,' the smaller of the two residences is 2,326 square feet, and was built in 1953. Located at 9029 Hollywood Hills Road, the two-bedroom, two-bath, single-family residence is listed at $3.4 mil by Rick Tyberg and Lauren Duffy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

"Though I sometimes spend a disproportionate amount of time at properties and then fall in love with them, this one is the absolute," Tyberg admits.

"When you enter the electric gate off the street, you don't know what to expect. You go down the narrow driveway, and the first home becomes visible. Then you see this pie-pan roof, this Googie architecture with sea urchin lights, and a brutalist fence, and you're like, 'well this is extraordinary,' before even being floored by the light and by the floor plan."

Researching building records, Tyberg discovered that Thorgusen requested building permits "at the same time [1953], so my assumption is that he built both homes for himself, and others in the same areas where the lot lines have changed.

"I also saw [Thorgusen's] wife's name on the building permits. Looks like a labor of love—teamwork."

A lovely sitting room is "a study in mid-century design," Tyberg says, anchored by an original fireplace. Ambient lighting is cleverly built into the walls and pillars.

Guests are drawn to stay a while and enjoy the tranquility of the gardens and water features. A formal dining room overlooks the pool and serene backyard; the master suite is warmed by its own fireplace, and looks out into the garden as well.