Secreted away, atop a steep knoll adjacent to the Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve, just north of Glendale, sits the masterfully restored pied-a-terre that Richard Neutra built, in 1961, for Maurice and Marceil Taylor. In the architectural enclave of Whiting Woods, the aptly named Taylor House, has undergone a meticulous three-year restoration and preservation that would delight any Mid-Century purist. The two bedroom, two bath home, epitomizes Neutra's tenet of therapeutic architecture, with its massive plate glass sliders that allow a free-flowing dialectic between inside and out. The inconspicuous facade, provides an additional layer of privacy, for the literal jewel-box, sited in a sylvan setting among heritage oaks. Neutra's intentional design delays the reveal of that arboreal view upon entering the house the sight-lines are forced to one end of the brick fireplace and a burlap covered art wall, before entering the open concept main room with cork floors and north facing wall of glass extending the full length of the house. The kitchen, separated by a mahogany bookcase, features refurbished Frigidaire appliances and refinished mahogany cabinets. Paint colors are matched to Neutra's original palette, light switches, fixtures and switch plates are original, even the recessed chrome swivel toothbrush/cup holders in each bathroom are vintage. Precise period details abound, such as the tiles in the open-air Japanese soaking tub and shower off of the primary bedroom. The home also includes a full-size laundry area, HVAC, car port for two, alarm system and numerous outdoor spaces. This architectural sanctuary is moments from fine dining and shopping, JPL, Cal Tech, Art Center, with easy access to downtown, Pasadena and the valley.
