Did you catch the Season 7 premiere of “Mad Men” last night? The amazing set designs have us dreaming of the ’60s, so we decided to focus on midcentury modern homes for this week’s “UnReal Estate of the Week.”
Midcentury modern homes were built in the 1950s and ’60s, and are characterized by post-and-beam architecture (often with an angled roof), an open floor plan, a cone or stone fireplace in the living room, and walls of glass to bring the outdoors in. The owners of these homes have taken care to preserve the look, complete with period furniture that conjures visions of Don sipping cocktails by the fire.
1.) Elvis’ Groovy Love Nest
Address: 1350 Ladera Cir
City: Palm Springs, CA
Price: $9,500,000
Listed by: Joshua Altman, Hilton & Hyland
According to the listing description, this historic midcentury estate was leased to Elvis Presley, and it’s “where he and Priscilla spent their honeymoon; Lisa Marie was born 9 months later.” Elvis memorabilia can be found throughout the listing photos, but it was the amazing midcentury design that caught our eye. The rock wall, cone fireplace and green and orange throw pillows bring up visions of the who’s who of Palm Springs enjoying a party here in the ’60s.
2.) McNaughton’s Masterpiece
Address: 800 East Granvia Valmonte
City: Palm Springs, CA
Price: $1,895,000
Listed by: Louise Hampton, Prudential CA Realty
The listing photos for this estate are simply stunning. The home was designed by renowned architect James McNaughton in 1963. His use of soaring arches and sheer glass walls create an indoor/outdoor flow that’s out of this world. It’s the kind of home you could picture Don Draper buying, if he ever actually moves to California.
3.) Art or Architecture?
Address: 3584 Multiview Dr
City: Los Angeles, CA
Price: $1,795,000
Listed by: Karen Juarez, Deasy Penner & Partners
Built in 1959 and carefully restored, this Hollywood Hills home caries a ’60s vibe throughout; it’s reminiscent of Megan’s California home in the last episode of Mad Men. The living room has a cone fireplace that rotates, so you can enjoy the warmth while lounging on the retro furniture or taking in the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was designed by Buff, Straub, and Hensman, architects who are known for midcentury designs. In fact Calvin Straub came to be known as “the father of California post and beam architecture.”
4.) Glass + Cement = Sublime
Address: 2535 North Mountain Ave
City: Claremont, CA
Price: $1,495,000
Listed by: Carolyn Ward, Century 21 Prestige Properties
Designed by Fred McDowell, this home was a regional winner in the Portland Cement Association’s 1964 competition for its unusual use of glass and cement. The only thing more stunning than the brass-faced fireplace in the living room is the view of the valley below. Floor-to-ceiling windows span the entire length of the home, so you’ll never miss the panoramic vistas.
5.) A Mad Man’s Retreat
Address: 15553 Royal Ridge Rd
City: Sherman Oaks, CA
Price: $1,129,000
Listed by: Craig Strong, John Aaroe Group
Built in 1957, this “audaciously decorated” home features a wet bar in the living room that would be perfect for hosting a “Mad Men” themed party. The green carpet, orange rug and leafy wallpaper really complete the look. The ’60s feel extends into the kitchen, which features wooden cabinets, red-orange paint, and a retro dining table.
Can’t get enough? There are plenty of other mid-century modern homes for sale. You can check them out in the “Midcentury Moderns” Redfin Collection. Which one is your favorite? Let us know what you think via Facebook, Twitter, G+ or in the comments below.
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