Architecture Wednesday: The Rowan Residence

This is the Rowan Residence, a sprawling, hilltop home in Beverly Hills designed in the early 1960s by acclaimed L.A. architect Robert Skinner. The home sits on a .42-acre lot in the Hidden Valley Estates, a gated community of just 33 homes.

Though originally commissioned by the Rowan Family, the home changed hands a few years after construction was complete and then remained off the market for 40 years. Alexandra Becket, who grew up in the property during that time, recalls how impressed her father was when he first toured the space before placing an offer, and he eventually expanded the residence to accommodate his growing family.

You enter the home through a private courtyard, and a long, glass-enclosed hallway leads to a sunken living room sited on the far end of the home with floor-to-ceiling windows and an original brick fireplace.

Along that hallway is the spacious primary bedroom with views to the courtyard and a private balcony and fireplace. The bathroom boasts huge walk-in shower, double sinks, an enormous soaking tub, and his-and her water closets.

From the living room, steps lead up to an open dining area and galley kitchen, with terrazzo tiled floors and skylight that illuminates the kitchen island. There are salt-marble countertops, Douglas-fir cabinetry, and a cozy breakfast nook with marble tabletop. 

Beyond the kitchen is another living area with custom shelving offers ample space to display collected memorabilia. An en suite guest bedroom, half bathroom, laundry, storage, and access to the garage fill out the space.

A later addition added an office, two more ensuite bedrooms, and a bonus play area. All told, there are now four bedrooms, four full baths, and two partial ones.

Given the two renovations the home now sits at 4,600 square feet residence with a more free-flowing layout that connects the expansive living areas with the outdoor greenery and mature trees, dining area, outdoor kitchen and swimming pool that create that quintessential California backyard oasis.

Last sold in 2012 for $3,500,000, the Rowan Residence is back on the market with a post-renovation price tag of $10,000,000.

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