Considered one of the pioneers of midcentury modernism, Austrian American architect Richard Neutra has residential projects that are found primarily in Southern California and are as sleek as can be. The structures—built between the 1920s and 1960s—are built at slight elevations and capitalize on their surroundings by framing sweeping views of mountains and hills. Back in his day, Neutra rubbed shoulders with Frank Lloyd Wright and Rudolph Schindler, whose influences are recognizable through his use of clean, horizontal lines and how these structures blend into nature.
Among Neutra’s most famous works is the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, commissioned by the same family that hired Wright to design Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. The property’s appearance in the 2022 film Don’t Worry Darling and the 1970 photograph Poolside Gossip by Slim Aarons are two clear indications of how iconic his designs are, evoking a midcentury-modern aesthetic characterized by pools, open layouts, and walls of windows.
If you want to step into one of his homes for a spell, here are five properties in California’s Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, as well as Montana, that welcome guests.
Tucked into the Hollywood Hills and perched a half mile above the Sunset Strip, the Lew House (built in 1958) offers four en suite bedrooms for groups who want to kick back and relax. This includes the Pool Suite, opening out onto the deck and gated outdoor pool where an adjoining lounge awaits. Guests looking to stay indoors can find a place in the cozy Fireplace Room, marked by a terrazzo bath and custom-built closet. The property also has major celeb cred: Its owner is film producer Stokely Chaffin, who produced hit flicks like Snakes on a Plane, Sweet Home Alabama, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. She partnered with LA design firm Marmol Radziner—a celebrity favorite when it comes to renovations—on the interiors, which combine dark woods, a monochromatic palette, and clean lines that live in complete harmony with the home’s overall design. From $1,208 per night.
In lieu of bunking in the 4,000-square-foot Lord House, built in 1962 just off of Mulholland Drive, rent it out by the hour and host a lively pool party. Built for and named after television writer Stephen Lord of Fantasy Island and Bonanza fame, the home leaves plenty of room for entertaining and enough parking to accommodate up to 20 guests. Outside, guests can dip their toes in the organically shaped pool, which is 14 feet deep, in case any serious swimmers and divers are in attendance, or mingle poolside at the pavilion and guest house there. Indoors, an open-concept kitchen complete with Miele appliances and marble countertops awaits, alongside picture windows and Neutra’s signature sliding-glass walls that draw in natural light and offer views of the Santa Monica Mountains. The fireplace area in the living room is another perfect spot for cocktails. Fresh off a 2023 restoration, the owners of this property head up Spatial Practice, an LA architecture firm. From $1,050 per hour.
Also located near Mulholland Drive, in Sherman Oaks, this 1,600 square-foot home channels the ’60s with a vintage cone fireplace in a period-specific shade of avocado green. It’s one of 17 stilt homes initially designed by Neutra for Stone-Fisher (but later overseen by architect William S. Beckett after Neutra withdrew from the project). On the same street, these stilt-supported platforms are thought to be iconic structures in Los Angeles and sometimes called the Platform Houses. They cantilever out onto a steep slope and afford amazing valley views. With only one bedroom and two baths in this home, this would be an ideal creative hideaway (maybe for aspiring writers to work on a screenplay?), with plenty of room to spread out, including a west-facing deck for soaking up the sunset and a room that functions as an office or work area. From $416 per night.
Designed by Neutra in 1949, this is one of his two homes in Missoula. The current owners bought it in 2009 and embarked on a major restoration, which included adding Heath Ceramics tile in all baths, midcentury-modern furniture throughout, and a new BlueStar range in the kitchen. They’ve opened it up to creatives through residencies with OpenAir and nicknamed it “a Hollywood home dropped in the Rockies.” You can also book the four-bedroom, three-bath home through Airbnb, where wraparound views of the Missoula Valley are a true highlight. Whether it’s walking out on the deck through sliding-glass doors or cozying up in front of the wood-burning stove, this home is a delight in any season. Rates vary depending on availability.
Neutra designed this 750-square-foot artist’s residence in Silicon Valley in 1935 as a creative retreat for poet Jacqueline Johnson. That vision continues today—with rentals by the hour, for non-profit, private, and commercial groups. In 2005, a group of locals, the city, and the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation not only saved and restored the home, but also relocated it from Los Altos Hills to Los Altos. There’s a covered patio, dining area, conference room, modernized kitchen (with catering capabilities), and enough space to host a party for 100 people. From $120 per hour.
Originally published in Architectural Digest
Text by Kristine Hansen
