Rolling Hills Estates | $1.798 million
A mid-century modern home built in 1959 on a 1 acre lot
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was designed by the architectural firm Buff, Straub & Hensman, whose other work includes a home for actor Steve McQueen. The house has only been sold twice since it was built and the interiors are mostly original.
Palos Verdes Estates is a 10-minute drive, Torrance is 15 minutes, and Long Beach is 25 minutes.
Size: 1,630 square meters
Price per square meter: $1,103
Inside: A paved path connects the driveway to the front of the house, where double doors open to the dining area. Steps lead further down to a sunken living room where a brick fireplace with cantilevered mantel and floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the outdoor patio. Exposed rafter ceilings can be found throughout the home.
On the other side of the dining area is the kitchen with wooden worktops and original cupboards. The kitchen leads to a study with access to the terrace.
The master bedroom is off the foyer and features a long window overlooking the property's mature trees. There is storage space and the en suite bathroom has a walk-in shower and red countertops.
The other two bedrooms are adjacent to the kitchen, as well as a full bathroom and laundry room. Both bedrooms accommodate queen size beds and both have windows overlooking the surrounding hills. The lights in the bedrooms, like everywhere else in the house, are original.
Outdoor area: The patio, which wraps around the back of the house, provides space for separate dining and seating areas, as well as steps leading to the sloping backyard. Next to the kitchen there is a paved terrace shaded by an old tree. A carport next to the entrance has two parking spaces.
Steer: $22,476 (estimated) and an annual homeowners association fee of $36
Contact: Nate Cole, Modern California House, 562-673-3550
Altadena | $1.798 million
A Spanish Revival home built in 1924 on a 0.2 acre lot
This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home and its one-bedroom, one-bedroom guest house are five minutes from a public library and several popular restaurants, as well as the Altadena Town & Country Club. A 10-minute drive takes you to Old Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.
Burbank and Glendale are both about 20 minutes away and downtown Los Angeles is 25 minutes away.
Size: 2,536 square meters
Price per square meter: $709
Inside: The house is set back from the street, behind a front garden with drought-tolerant plants and a brick-paved courtyard.
Inside there is a foyer with Saltillo tile floors and direct access to the living room with exposed beam ceilings and an original fireplace with colorful tile surround. A wide, wood-paneled door leads to the dining room, where a wrought iron light fixture hangs from the ceiling.
To one side of the dining room is an enclosed sunroom and to the other side is the updated kitchen with appliances and green painted stainless steel cabinets.
A hallway off the living room leads to the master suite, where the bedroom has two French doors opening onto a private balcony and the bathroom has a bathtub and separate shower. Next door there is a bathroom and next to it a bedroom with wide floorboards. A third bedroom, just off the living room, features Saltillo tile floors and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Outdoor area: Behind the rear terrace, which is paved with terracotta tiles and offers space for al fresco dining, is a guest house with a private bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. An attached garage has one parking space.
Steer: $22,476 (estimated)
Contact: Ted Clark and Heather Lillard, Compass, 626-817-2123
San Rafael | $1.75 million
A mid-century modern home built in 1966 on a 0.2 acre lot
This four-bedroom, two-bathroom Atrium model Eichler home is located in Lucas Valley, close to Miller Creek and its adjacent hiking and biking trails. A public elementary school is within walking distance and community amenities include a pool and courts for pickleball and tennis.
Central San Rafael is less than 15 minutes away by car and San Francisco and Santa Rosa are each 45 minutes away.
Size: 1,805 square meters
Price per square meter: $970
Inside: A paved path leads from the street to this home's bright red front door, which opens to an atrium with its own glass door leading to the living room. Here the blonde brick fireplace is original and the wooden ceilings have their original stain. Redwood paneling lines the dining area, and around the corner is a combined living room and kitchen with porcelain tile floors and custom wood cabinetry. Floor-to-ceiling windows in this part of the house look out onto the atrium.
From the living room, a hallway runs the entire length of the house, connecting all four bedrooms. The master suite has high ceilings and glass doors that open to the rear patio, and the bathroom has a walk-in shower with blue tiles.
Two additional bedrooms off the hallway accommodate queen-sized beds and another bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass door to the atrium. The second bathroom has a combination tub and shower and a double vanity.
Outdoor area: Behind the house is a paved patio surrounded by lush gardens, including a Japanese maple tree. Granite walkways wind around raised planters. An attached garage has two parking spaces.
Steer: $21,876 (estimated), plus a monthly homeowners association fee of $120
Contact: Renee Adelmann, Bay Area Modern Residential Real Estate, 415-342-4537