Introduction to a Restored Mid-Century "Treehouse"

Designed by renowned architects Buff & Hensman in 1961, this Glendale home has recently been restored to merge modern amenities with its iconic original details. The architecture incorporates both Scandinavian and Japanese design elements, intended to blend effortlessly with its natural surroundings.

The Treehouse-Like Exterior

The treehouse-like, mid-century exterior. Credit: Pierre Galant Photography.
Perched high above Glendale in the Rossmoyne district, the home feels almost like a treehouse. It includes a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom main house, along with a fully permitted one-bedroom, one-bathroom ADU. Priced at $2,595,000, 1321 Cedar Court Road, Glendale, is listed by Jermayne Shannon at Compass.

The Original Homeowner

The original homeowner was Robert V. Seeds, an advocate for equal rights who had a distinguished career in personnel management, serving in roles across various cities and educational institutions, including Glendale, Burbank, and the Los Angeles Community College District.

Restoration to Mid-Century Roots

The home was renovated in 1991, losing many of its original details. The current owners vowed to bring the interior back to its mid-century roots. They used Donald Hensman’s personal residence “Domus Solaris” as inspiration and focused primarily on sustainability and simplicity. The stunning result echoes the atmosphere of both a Swedish ski lodge and a Japanese spa.

Interior Design Elements

The entryway with privacy glass and mid-century doors. Credit: Pierre Galant Photography.
They replaced the 1990s block windows with ribbed privacy glass, noting its recurring appearance in several Buff & Hensman’s designs. In addition, they changed the proportions of the doors and windows in the entryway for enhanced visual balance.

Living Area and Kitchen

The living room with wall-to-wall windows. Credit: Pierre Galant Photography.
The bright, open living area is defined by a mid-century sandstone fireplace and wall-to-wall windows. Wood floors and complementary wood paneling extend throughout, creating a warm, cohesive aesthetic. The space opens directly onto an expansive patio with verdant views.
The kitchen with European oak cabinetry. Credit: Pierre Galant Photography.
The newly renovated kitchen incorporates contemporary upgrades while maintaining the home’s timeless character. It features custom European oak cabinetry and sleek new countertops. Carefully sourced handmade mid-century fixtures in the connected dining and living areas tie the space to its architectural origin.

Upper Level and ADU

The historic oak and fir staircase. Credit: Pierre Galant Photography.
An original oak and fir staircase separates the two levels, which was uncovered by the current owners. They removed the 1990s drywall to reveal the historic banister.
The marble shower and tub with sweeping views. Credit: Pierre Galant Photography.
The upper level has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including the south-facing primary suite. The suite features a green marble fireplace, along with a matching marble shower and countertop in the bathroom. A luxurious soaking tub sits within the same stone surround. Overhead, mid-century light fixtures elevate the wood ceilings throughout. From this level, there are sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles.
The one-bedroom ADU above the trees.
The fully permitted ADU has its own private entrance. It includes a spacious open living area with treetop views and two private decks. The kitchen mirrors the main house with European oak cabinetry. Designed as a flexible space, it is ideal for a creative retreat or artist studio.

Landscaped Garden

The landscaped garden with a California Coast Live Oak.
At the heart of the garden stands a California Coast Live Oak that has been growing for over a century. Surrounding the substantial tree is a carefully curated selection of native and low-maintenance greenery. A pond and waterfall attract local wildlife like deer, hummingbirds, squirrels, and a wide range of birds and insects. The property is intended for those who appreciate both history and a connection to Southern California’s unique landscape.

Conclusion

This restored mid-century "treehouse" in Glendale offers a unique blend of modern amenities and historic charm, making it a rare gem in the Southern California real estate market. With its stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped garden, and fully permitted ADU, this property is perfect for those who value both history and a connection to nature.

FAQs

Q: Who designed the house?
A: The house was designed by renowned architects Buff & Hensman in 1961.
Q: What is the price of the house?
A: The house is priced at $2,595,000.
Q: How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the main house have?
A: The main house has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms.
Q: Is the ADU fully permitted?
A: Yes, the ADU is fully permitted and has its own private entrance.
Q: What is the inspiration behind the restoration?
A: The current owners used Donald Hensman’s personal residence “Domus Solaris” as inspiration and focused primarily on sustainability and simplicity.