A Showstopping Midcentury Home Seeks a New Buyer in Beverly Hills

A midcentury masterpiece is now up for grabs in Beverly Hills, California. Known as the Rowan Residence, the sprawling, hilltop home was designed in the early 1960s by acclaimed L.A. architect Robert Skinner.

Though originally commissioned by the Rowan Family, the home changed hands a few years after construction was complete and then remained off the market for 40 years. Alexandra Becket, who grew up in the property during that time, recalls how impressed her father and grandfather—both architects—were when they first toured the space before placing an offer. Her father eventually expanded the residence to accommodate the growing family. "He adapted an already great design and interesting layout into a functional family home for three kids," she says.

Alexandra spent her childhood in the home, although it wasn’t until decades later that she realized its architectural significance. "One evening, while browsing the Taschen bookstore, I peered over my husband’s shoulder as he flipped through the third volume of Julius Schulman: Modernism Rediscovered, a compilation of the Los Angeles architectural photographer’s work," she says. "He landed on a familiar image of lemon-yellow closet doors and a vibrant orange carpet that made it clear...it was my childhood bedroom."

"I had not known the house was photographed by Schulman before my parents moved in. As it turns out, Schulman was hired by Robert Skinner soon after the property was completed." 

Due to the state of the home when her parents listed it in 2012, Alexandra initially thought it was likely to be sold to a developer. "Considering the condition of the house and the dated interiors, most buyer considered it too ambitious to take on," she explains. "My Dad would have loved to fix it up; my sister and I both dreamt of restoring the interiors, but none of us were in a position to take it on financially." 

To their surprise, a couple expecting their first child adored the original architecture and were eager to accept the challenge of renovating the home. "I held my memories of the house close, but was elated—and extremely curious—how the next family would make it their own," says Alexandra. 

The couple were Greg Cavic, a partner at United Talent Agency, and his wife, Jessica Cavic. "From the time we set foot inside, we could feel the home's warmth, serenity, and soul," says Greg. "It had everything we loved about California midcentury architecture: floor-to-ceiling glass everywhere, great gathering spaces, and the perfect indoor/outdoor flow."

The Cavic Family tapped architect John Bertram for the renovation, who partnered with both interior designer Sarah Shetter and Judy Kameon of Elysian Landscape to bring the space back to its original glory. "We wanted to be really sensitive in how we restored and updated the house," adds Greg. "We were so lucky to have original Julius Shulman photographs to refer to, as well as an amazing team that loved the property just as much as we did and who were so thoughtful about every detail." 

Now measuring over 4,600 square feet, the residence shines with natural light throughout. A free-flowing layout connects the expansive living areas, which extend outdoors thanks to an interior courtyard. In addition to offering five bedrooms, four full baths, and two partial ones, the home also features a large office, play area, and bonus space. Outside, verdant greenery and mature trees create a private backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool.

"After a tedious, two-year renovation, the finished product has been such a happy home for us, and we’ve loved sharing it with family and friends," says Greg, who invited Alexandra over for a tour once the revamp was complete. 

"All too often architecturally significant homes with great bones and storied histories are torn down," says Alexandra. "The house my father grew up in, which was thoughtfully designed and built by his father, Welton Becket, was razed in the ’90s and replaced with a faux French mansion. Fortunately, my childhood home, added onto by my parents and renovated again by the Cavic Family, is a stellar example of how a house can be transformed to fit the needs of each family, all while maintaining its architectural integrity. It was gratifying to see the Cavics turn the house into their own."

9557 Lime Orchard Road in Beverly Hills, California, is currently listed for $10,000,000 by Tori Barnao of Compass.

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