A Los Angeles Midcentury Time Capsule by A. Quincy Jones Lists for $3M

The Richard and Helen Arens House is one of the best surviving examples of the Mutual Housing Association’s postwar experiment.
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Peacefully perched in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Richard and Helen Arens House was originally built in 1949 by celebrated architect A. Quincy Jones. Recognized as the City of Los Angeles's Historic-Cultural Monument No. 720, the landmark home unfolds over 2,232 square feet, and it features four bedrooms, two baths, and a rare hillside pool.

A look at the Richard and Helen Arens House, located on a quiet, tree-lined street in Brentwood.

A look at the Richard and Helen Arens House, located on a quiet, tree-lined street in Brentwood.

A cheerful bright green door welcomes guests into the thoughtfully restored 1949 home.

A cheerful bright green door welcomes guests into the thoughtfully restored 1949 home.

The second owners have treated the property to tasteful renovations over the years, all keeping in line with the original design intent. From the low-slung horizontal roof to the tongue-and-groove ceiling that gently rests on composite beams and slender posts, the elegant architecture offers residents the chance to step back in time.

Strategically placed windows allow ample natural light to illuminate the single-story interior.

Strategically placed windows allow ample natural light to illuminate the single-story interior.

Resting gently on slender beams and posts, the original tongue-and-groove ceiling embodies the purest expression of form and function.

Resting gently on slender beams and posts, the original tongue-and-groove ceiling embodies the purest expression of form and function.

In addition to its impeccable midcentury details, the home is also protected by the Mills Act, which ensures a substantial reduction in annual property taxes. Scroll ahead to take a peek inside the residence, currently on the market for $2,995,000.

Rich textured wood paneling lines the living room walls, contrasting nicely against the polished concrete floors.

Rich textured wood paneling lines the living room walls, contrasting nicely against the polished concrete floors.

The Poliform Italian kitchen features Corian countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and custom cabinetry.

The Poliform Italian kitchen features Corian countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and custom cabinetry.

Colorful, geometric artwork adds a playful touch to one of the home's four bedrooms.

Colorful, geometric artwork adds a playful touch to one of the home's four bedrooms.

Vertical tiles line the shower and the faucet backsplash.

Vertical tiles line the shower and the faucet backsplash.

A look at another bedroom, fitted with wood paneling, exposed cement, and cork flooring. 

A look at another bedroom, fitted with wood paneling, exposed cement, and cork flooring. 

Expansive windows and doors create a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

Expansive windows and doors create a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

The airy yet enclosed home office provides a quiet setting to get work done.

The airy yet enclosed home office provides a quiet setting to get work done.

The spacious backyard features a pristine hillside pool and hardscape overlooking panoramic views from the Santa Monica Bay all the way to Catalina.

The spacious backyard features a pristine hillside pool and hardscape overlooking panoramic views from the Santa Monica Bay all the way to Catalina.

While conveniently located in the Westside of Los Angeles, the home offers a quiet city escape.

While conveniently located in the Westside of Los Angeles, the home offers a quiet city escape.

The Richard and Helen Arens House glowing gorgeously at night.

The Richard and Helen Arens House glowing gorgeously at night.

12436 Deerbrook Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90049 is currently listed for $2,995,000 by William Baker and Brian Linder of The Agency.

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