Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Architecture Wednesday: Ravenseye

Harry Gesner was called the Modern Maverick of Malibu, and of his greatest designs, Ravenseye, perched one a 1-acre hillside lot, with views of the Pacific, is up for sale … at a bargain; it has been marked down from $14million to just $9.5 million. But it’s not the house for just anyone …

Ravenseye features a unique arched doorway that opens to a sweeping staircase leading down into the great room with its 30-foot-high vaulted ceilings , wall of windows and incredible views. Gesner designed the arched doorways, and the arched ceiling in the great room as a nod to the tip of a surfboard since surfing was another of his passion, but he was also inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright—of whom he was an apprentice—and Wright’s design for the Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, California [right, top]. But Gesner’s Ravenseye, along with his other Malibu design, the Wave House [right, bottom], then inspired Danish architect Jorn Utzon who took some ideas from Gesner when he designed the Sydney Opera House.

The interior of the 4,000+ square foot home features stone floors and fireplaces, wooden floors boards and exposed timber ceilings. There are three bedrooms—with direct access to the outdoor spaces—and four bathrooms. Out back, there’s a large wooden deck, a pool, and built-in lounges sheltered by the living room balcony. A private outdoor shower allows for washing off salt and sand before entering the house, or just for skinny-dipping. There’s even a restored 1957 Airstream trailer to use as a small guest house.

It's wild, yes; but the views and the huge open great room, and all the oddities, really call to me. If I can’t have Bette’s house, perhaps I could afford Harry’s?

13 comments:

  1. Hold on to your pacemakers people, I love this one! There's even a touch of red. I like the elegant quirkiness of the whole thing. I would probably try to warm up the bathrooms a bit.

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  2. Not bad! Loverly views.
    Like the wood stuff.
    xoxo :-)

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  3. I think I could really enjoy that space, although the decor would have to go. I love eclectic but that’s just a scattered mess.

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  4. @Deedles
    ::::::gasp::::::::

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  5. Wow. Now this? This I could get into. All the furnishings would have to be replaced... what's there is hideous. And I may require a kitchen makeover, because what's there? The way it's laid out? Stupid. Designed by someone who never cooks. I love the view and the whole structure makes me think of Atlantis. So cool. Love it.

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  6. Usually I can find something to appreciate in design even if I don't like a house. This is not one of those times. It give me a headache just looking at this...way to much going on. And that might be the most hideous kitchen I ever saw. I feel like I'm in Logan's Run in this house.

    But I do like the mirror in the dinning room. Bwhahahahaha But that doesn't count...that not the house.

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  7. I really like the idea of having more organic shapes and angles in a house. I can imagine that whomever enters through that door probably loses their breath as soon as they see those ceilings!
    The windows are just incredible.
    And it's EXPENSIVE. Darn.

    XOXO

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  8. Those windows are fantastic. They're very STAR TREK!

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  9. @Maddie
    If I buy the house, I'm selling most of the furniture, but I'll GIVE you the mirror!

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  10. With those views, that space, I'd still have to work on the kitchen, it has potential.

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  11. Wow... those furnishings are just... something, huh?

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  12. Love the windows...I worry about storms and all that glass...I worry about heating a cooling...Also direct sun...We better have solar panels somewhere on the lot...Love the views...The space is nice BUT the furniture has got to go...I need more continuity in the place...The staircase looks out of place...Maybe a different element...The bedrooms...Yes, let's take everything out and see what we can salvage when we bring a few pieces back in...

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