The Richard Neutra-designed Kaufmann House in Palm Springs is for sale, listed here for $16.95 million, giving some lucky buyer the opportunity to live in one of Mid Century Modern’s most iconic homes. Not in your price range? Sneak a virtual peek inside anyway.
The Story of the Kaufmann House
Edgar Kaufmann, for whom the Kaufmann house is named, clearly took design seriously. He commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build Fallingwater in Pennsylvannia, one of Wright’s masterpieces. Kaufmann wanted a vacation home in Palm Springs to escape the harsh winter weather, and he wanted his snow bird home to be equally well-designed. This time, he commissioned Richard Neutra.
In 1946, the seminal five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was completed. The home spans 3,162 square feet, and was influential on the shape Mid Century Modern architecture took with walls of windows and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor connection. Many will recognize the pool from Slim Aaron’s famous “Poolside Gossip” photo.
Design and Renovation
The home’s layout centers around the living area in the center, and from there, the house extends in wings to the north, south, east and west.
After changing hands since Edgar Kaufmann died in 1955, the home saw several additions and renovations. In the 90s, however, former owners Brent and Beth Harris sought the expertise of architect Albert Frey and the design firm Marmol Radziner to restore the home to its Neutra-designed glory. Without Neutra’s plans, the renovation involved archaeological research as well as tacking down and working with original vendors. For instance, according to this article, Radziner persuaded a Utah quarry to re-open a closed section in order for them to get more of the original sandstone.
The Kaufmann Home was put up for sale in October for $25 million, but the price has since been lowered to $16.95 million. Click here to view the listing.
Keep reading about Richard Neutra, the Kaufmann house architect, here. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!
