It’s hard to believe Greta Grossman’s name isn’t mentioned more often throughout the history of modernism, especially after you see the mid-century residence she designed for herself in Beverly Hills Post Office.
LA Conservancy says, “After decades in the shadows, Grossman’s work has recently gained the recognition it deserves, with books, exhibitions, and hefty auction prices for original works.” And just last month, we saw activity on two of her architectural designs: one of the Nelson Houses hit the market, and her personal residence sold.
Grossman used her 1948 two-bedroom glass beauty, located on a cul-de-sac of only four dwellings, to showcase her architectural acumen.
Later, using original blueprints and vintage photos, the LA Times says in 2009, then-owner Darryl Wilson, a designer, and architect Tony Unruh enlarged and remodeled the entire house. Wilson’s design choices included cladding the exterior in maintenance-free copper sheets and swapping out the redwood paneled walls and floors for African mahogany.
He also expanded the galley kitchen and added Gaggenau appliances, “including a high-pressure steam oven normally found in restaurants and notes; “I have to believe that if Greta were alive, she’d want a dishwasher and microwave, Wilson says of his attempts to modernize the house.”
Other features include a spectacular primary suite, a media room (located downstairs with a full bath that could be converted to a guest room,) a pool and spa, and a private garden with outdoor dining. Oh, and let’s not forget that view.
The home hit the market, asking $4,295,000. It was in escrow within four days and sold for $4,270,000.