.jpg)
By Jack Wagner
Many regard Richard Neutra as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the modernist mid-century movement. Born in 1892 in Vienna, Austria, Neutra eventually moved to the United States, where he deeply rooted his design philosophy in the belief that buildings should be harmoniously integrated with their environment and tailored to enhance the well-being of their inhabitants.
One of Neutra’s notable creations, the “Brown House,” is located in the prestigious Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles and has just been listed for sale by its prolific owner, producer Ryan Murphy. Priced at $33.9 million, the residence is a quintessential example of Neutra’s architectural principles and has been meticulously restored by Murphy to showcase the iconic mid-century design.
Neutra built the residence in 1955 to reflect his desire for integration with nature by following the curves of the rolling hills on which the property rests. Spanning 3,800 square feet, the angular home includes five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms, all oriented to blend the indoor and outdoor areas through walls of glass that open to expansive gardens and patios.
Primarily constructed with Neutra’s favorite materials of steel, glass, and concrete, the residence harmoniously combines these mediums, arranged in clean lines to give a lightness and transparency to every space. Murphy, who purchased the home in 2022 from fashion designer Tom Ford for $29 million, undertook key restoration work during his ownership, including stripping and restaining the home’s linear wood paneling, refurbishing the original black tiles in the bathrooms, and reintroducing a specific gravel commonly used by Neutra into the gardens.
Murphy preserved many original details both within and outside the home, including built-in cabinetry, terrazzo flooring, cantilevered beams, and aromatic wood paneling. These original details are accompanied by modern luxuries such as dual chef-grade kitchens, designer bathrooms, an elegant pool with a pool house, and Romanesque-inspired gardens.
Throughout the home, residents and guests can enjoy uninterrupted 180-degree views, stretching from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. The emphasis on the home’s vantage point exemplifies Neutra’s concept of “biorealism,” which posits that the connection between humans and their physical living spaces is profoundly linked. Neutra believed that with the right light, ventilation, and spatial flow, architecture could positively impact one’s mental and physical health.
Murphy, best known for producing hit television series like Glee and American Horror Story, calls himself an “architecture junkie,” describing his attraction to unique homes as a love affair. Murphy’s relationship with this property is no different; his attention to detail matches that of Neutra, respectfully bringing the home to a modern state that the architect himself would surely approve.
Represented by Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate and Riley Schmidt and Timothy Wollaston of Riley Real Estate, this one-of-a-kind residence is sure to catch the eye of architectural enthusiasts looking for a trophy property to add to their portfolio.
