One thing I regretted about travelling all the way to the West Coast of America from London last summer was not visiting the Sheats Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles. Despite the limitations of access to the property as it's mostly only ever open to the public for events, I would have loved to have even stood outside it and take in all its aesthetic and sculptured surroundings. For a number of years now I have been completely infatuated by this robust piece of architecture of which obtains the very materials that define sixties modernist interior design.
Located in Beverly Crest, in the hills of Westwood, this 1963 John Lautner-designed estate embeds itself into a sandstone ledge creating its levitating appearance. Featured in films such as 'Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle', the property has also been used in numerous photo shoots for the likes of American Vogue and GQ. The residence also receives famous recognition for its role in 1998 comedy 'The Big Lebowski', however being twenty two; I obviously wouldn't have been watching this at the age of four!
From what I have read, the house has had two leases of life following its completion in the early sixties. The property was originally built for a doctor and artist couple (the Sheats) and their five children who moved out a couple of years after completion. In 1972, multi-millionaire James Goldstein who’s fortune has raised eyebrows in confusion as to how he acquired it had purchased the house. He then had teamed up with prolific architect John Lautner in 1980 whereby major renovation commenced.
The Sheat-Goldstein's structure is almost all original however key elements have been upgraded and modernised in order to preserve and maintain its very existence. Upgrades and alterations include motorised sliding doors, skylights and walls as well as a refit of all glazing according to information supplied by the Lautner Foundation.
What I admire about this largely concrete construction is that we identify it as both a relic to another era and inspiration for the eyes of today, a prime example of broken architectural boundaries and a reminder of the true iconic sixties interior design.
Scrolling through the images of this residence, it really does define sixties interior design for me. A design era which so many deems as dated and rather ugly, I feel this piece of art successfully argues my case and portrays this era as a stylish and desirable one.
‘The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’ has since acquired the residence by Goldstein’s wishes which promises to tentatively preserve and upkeep this piece of architecture for the many years to come. This reassures me that hopefully one day I’ll be able to strike off my visit here from my ever growing bucket list.
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