Modern 50s Ranch-style residence waiting to shine

The post-World War II housing boom changed the Valley “from ranchland to L.A.’s most emblematic suburb,” and this is where Sonia and Edward decided to raise their family. 

From George J. Heltzer’s Westridge Park Ranch Houses to Palmer and Krisel’s Corbin Palms in Woodland Hills and the Living-Conditioned Homes in Northridge, vast tracts of modern 50s Ranch-style homes lined the streets of new developments. Built in 1957 on a wide tree-lined street, 22503 Welby Way offered a pared-down version of features and details to homes in these developments.

The living room and fireplace and glass sliding door
The fireplace of Modern 50s Ranch style residence

Michael, an interior designer and the family’s youngest kid recalls, “My dad taught army brats in Germany. At the time, my parents had two kids (I wasn’t born yet), and they were settling back to life in the United States while looking for a place to live. They purchased the home from the original owner.”

The dining room and table
The kitchen room and wooden cabinet and shelf
The kitchen basin and wooden cabinet

Entering the space today, you feel almost stuck in time, with a layout conditioned for optimal light and space. Measuring 1,439 square feet, the modestly sized four-bedroom residence opens up to a living room with a decorative fireplace looking onto a dining area with sliding glass doors leading to the rear yard. There’s also a galley-style kitchen with a pocket door opening to the laundry area and a bedroom and bathroom that has doubled as a den over the years.

Wooden racks and fan
The bathroom, high commode and cabinet

The other side of the home holds the remaining bedrooms, each with roomy closet space. Michael remembers the bathroom with double sinks once featuring striped minx marble countertops, a popular feature in these homes.

The bedroom and wardrobe and lamp
The kitchen and marble tiles and mirror
Single bed and windw
Bedroom and window

More fond memories unfold as he talks of his parents opening the home to everyone. “People from out of town would stay here. It was always a place where people could gather.” He also says, “My brother and sister were married in the backyard.”

50s ranch style home in West Hills
The backyard of 50s ranch style home in West Hills with grass

Ideal for a homebuyer looking to reimagine this 50s gem, the home is asking $665,000 and comes with a pair of groovy light fixtures and an attached garage.

Interested in seeing this home? Let's Talk. 323.829.4440 EMAIL