Sexy midcentury modern by Thornton Ladd on the market for $1.6M in Whittier

A 1952 graduate of USC’s School of Architecture, Thornton Ladd worked as a designer for Pereira and Luckman before establishing his own firm in 1954. One of Ladd’s earliest solo commissions was this thoroughly modern residence in the hills of Whittier.

Completed in 1955, the house was built for Howard Bodger, a WWII vet who came back from the war to work for the family business, Bodger Seed Company, which was at one time the largest distributor of seed in the U.S.

The 2,741-square-foot property consists of two pavilions connected by a glass breezeway that is also the point of entry. One wing holds the home’s four bedrooms—including two master suites—plus a laundry room, while the other contains the living room, kitchen, and dining room. There’s also a finished basement with its own private patio and entrance.

Among the home’s standout features are black walnut floors, built-in seating and shelving, a sculptural steel and brick fireplace, a “subtle” butterfly roof, and an elevated terrace offering views to Catalina. Updates include full copper plumbing and central HVAC.

Located at 13980 Midvale Drive on a secluded .73-acre lot, the property is listed with Nate Cole of Coldwell Banker with an asking price of $1.598 million. Open house is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

Cameron Carothers

Cameron Carothers

Cameron Carothers

Cameron Carothers

Tyler Hogan

Tyler Hogan