CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET: The Wright Choice: Which would you want to live in? Millard or Sowden?

With Interior Design being my major in college, Frank Lloyd Wright was a household name during most of my curriculum. Renowned for his jaw dropping works all around the world, I’m ecstatic he planted his mark right here in my backyard of Pasadena, and not too far in Los Feliz as well.

As a REALTOR® with a background in design, my clients often ask me “What style of home do you like Nikki? Traditional, Spanish, Mediterranean, Mid-Century, Contemporary, Modern?” I love them all. But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with two homes in particular (both works of Wright), that don’t quite fit any of those styles head on. Those homes are:

The Millard House                                          
645 Prospect Crescent                       
Pasadena, CA 91103

AND

The Sowden House “Jaws House”
5121 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles (Los Feliz), CA 90027


The Millard House

Some people can’t stand that cold museum like feeling a minimalist house can have. I actually don’t mind it and love the clean lines and symmetry of sharp edges. The less clutter there is in my home environment, the less chaotic the rest of my life seems to be. But I also love the lush and lavish layered look of Hollywood Regency which is a style of design I myself, specialize in. Like I said earlier, I like them all. Now The Millard House, also known as La Miniatura, embodies that minimalist approach balancing the perfect amount of minimalism paired with just the right amount of texture. Tucked away on a beautiful street called Prospect Crescent in a quaint pocket of Pasadena known as The Prospect District, I can’t help but think as a Real Estate agent who LOVES prospecting as much as I do, hopefully one day I can be the prosperous REALTOR® who actually owns this home!

 

MY PROS
+Breathtaking one-of-a-kind architecture from one of my favorite architects
+Located in one of my favorite areas of Pasadena
+Lush landscaping and large yard
+The bonus studio/guest house separate from the main house

MY CONS
-The kitchen is too small


The Millard House is currently FOR SALE and listed at $5,250,000.
It’s been on the market for 162 days.
How much would you offer to own this historical landmark?


The Sowden House

Waaaaay before I wanted to do Real Estate, and long before I even dabbled into Interior Design, believe it or not, I wanted to be a Profiler. Yes, like Clarice in Silence of The Lambs. SHOCKING I know. And to this day I’m still glued to those documentaries on the History and Discovery channels telling those crazy stories of unsolved mysteries and all the notorious outlaws involved. Which brings me to the mystery surrounding The Sowden House and why I find it's intriguing exterior just as interesting as the history that lies within its interior. Just google “Black Dahlia Sowden House” and you can read more in-depth about all the crazy things that supposedly went on in that place.

Built by Lloyd Wright, eldest son of Frank Lloyd Wright, The Sowden House, is also known as the “Jaws House” because of the staggered placement of Mayan-like stones that make up its facade resembling the jaws of a great white shark. And you probably recognize this house from the countless photo shoots and movies its been in. It also has been a popular venue for events and weddings. This could be a cool place for a unique couple to tie the knot. There definitely would be a lot to talk about at the dinner table.

MY PROS
+Breathtaking one-of-a-kind architecture from one of my favorite architects
+Down the street from my best friends house
+Close to some of my favorite restaurants and bars
+The gorgeous central court that holds the pool and jacuzzi
+An entertainer's dream. Start the party at your house and just UBER it everywhere else!
+The controversy about the latest remodel the last architect did doesn't really bother me. I actually think he did a great job!

MY CONS
-On a busy street
-A homicide supposedly took place there (Kind-uh a BIG DEAL)
-No yard

The Sowden House is currently FOR SALE and listed at $4,888,000.
It’s been on the market for 316 days.
Aside from its celebrity status, do you think this home is worth the asking price?


Final Thoughts:
The main building materials of stone and cement mixed with textures of wood and glass are very prominent in both these homes taking me back to my travels to Southeast Asia. More specifically Indonesia, and maybe that’s why these homes are so captivating to me because they evoke warm emotions and give me a familiar sense like I’ve been in them before. I seriously love them both. If I was in my early 20's I'd most likely pick The Sowden House, but now that I'm getting older, I'm attracted to the serene grounds of Prospect making me choose The Millard House. And that's my final answer.

If you had to choose, which home would be the Wright choice for you?
 
www.franklloydwright.org