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A gracefully restored exemplar of midcentury architecture, Calvin House in Los Angeles invites admirers back into the visionary world of architect A. Quincy Jones. This single‑story, 2,202‑square‑foot residence, quietly resting on a third‑acre parcel in Tarzana’s exclusive Royal Homes neighbourhood, recently re‑emerged on the market.
Quincy Jones – celebrated for crafting over 5,000 projects, many in collaboration with developer Joseph Eichler – was instrumental in defining California’s indoor‑outdoor modernist style. Calvin House is today one of his most faithfully preserved works. The current owner meticulously removed unsympathetic alterations and revitalised the home’s original design, spotlighting features like high ceilings, new terrazzo flooring, custom millwork, glass walls, and built‑ins that echo Jones’s intent.
At the heart of the home, floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls remove boundaries between living spaces and the garden pool beyond – manifesting Jones’s belief in architecture that embraces its landscape. In a 1961 issue, Good Housekeeping aptly dubbed it “A House With the Outdoors Built In,” a characterization as relevant now as it was then. Beyond the pool, terraces unfold to reveal views of the San Fernando Valley and distant mountains, framed by verdant foliage and unfettered vistas.
Built in 1960 (or 1961, depending on source), the Calvin House resonates with mid-century authenticity. It spans roughly 2,202 square feet, features four bedrooms and three baths, and is distinguished by design hallmarks such as lofty ceilings punctuated by posts and beams, internal “floating” walls, and sliding glass doors that choreograph effortless movement between indoors and out. The house’s restoration remains sensitive to heritage, preserving its architectural integrity while ensuring modern livability.
Nestled among the terraced lots of Tarzana’s Royal Homes enclave, the property offers rare sweeping panoramic light. Its unusually preserved state sets it apart: while many Quincy Jones‑designed residences have been altered or demolished over time, Calvin House remains a near‑perfect time capsule of mid-century esthetic.
