Midcentury modern in Tarzana hills on the market for the first time ever, asking $1.3M

Designed in 1961 by Irvine Company principal architect William Mader

Photos by James Moss, courtesy of Alan Taylor/Compass

This striking residence in the hills just west of Tarzana’s El Caballero Country Club was designed in 1961 by William E. Mader, a USC grad who went on to become principal architect for the Irvine Company. The home was commissioned by Allan Johnson, an industrial designer whose products included the Waterpik, for himself and his family.

Now on the market for the first time ever, the Johnson residence contains three bedrooms and four bathrooms within its 2,060 square feet. Notable architectural elements include a center atrium with pond, clerestory windows, vaulted ceilings, a brick fireplace, and ample walls of glass serving up knockout views of the Santa Susana and San Gabriel Mountains.

Sited on a promontory lot at 18706 Edleen Drive, the .4-acre property is listed with Alan Taylor of Compass at an asking price of $1.299 million. Open houses are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Differing rooflines and a semi-transparent exterior wall make for complex interplay between light and shadows.
The center atrium with pond.
The kitchen has openings on two sides. The one on the right looks out to the dining room.
Sliding glass doors off one of the bedrooms open to a private patio.
A commanding brick fireplace anchors the living room.
The .4-acre grounds are carpeted with grass, plants, and trees.

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Comments

No one bothered to vacuum by the electrical outlets in the living room.

By Adrian Reynolds on 10.02.19 9:18am

Looks rather like chipped paint on the strip of trim. Regardless, it’s a lovely home.

By Mitzigirl on 10.02.19 9:33am

It’s amazing the difference in price from a north facing Valley view compared to a south facing city view a few miles away. Great house with just a few tweaks needed to make it perfect (get rid of that living room built-in) Love it!

By mrjim1 on 10.02.19 10:09am

Actually, I lived at the to of Kings Rd above Sunset Strip.

The streets curve, but my home was just at 100%full southern view.

Stunning (and scary to all visitors the first time)

I’m over all day direct sun. Not just the extreme heat in the summer, but the brightness on all sunny days.

Look at the apt turned condo EMPIRE WEST in weho. Super expensive and outrageous HOA (full doorman/amenities etc..

Next time you drive Holloway between sunset and La Cienega, look at all the View to dye floor condos facing south.

Binds, various customized ways to block that unforgiving all day direct sun.

Just saying.

If I ever move, I will look for a north facing home.

By joninla on 10.17.19 7:43am

Might go for double the price after the remodel!

By TheArchArtist on 10.02.19 10:42am

What is Tarzana like? This seems like great value.

By MyrnaMinkoff on 10.02.19 10:50am

If you have to ask ‘What is Tarzana like?’, then you know all about Tarzana.

By Cleavon Little on 10.02.19 4:06pm

Tazana is nice. It has an old town feel to it. Back in the late 90’s early, 2000’s older retirees dominated that neighborhood. I’m not sure what it’s like now but it’s always had a "take-your-time" sensibility to it.

By subaruwrx on 10.02.19 7:27pm

Sweet

By LudwigBlue on 10.02.19 11:23am

great lines. glad it hasn’t been all screwed up by someone who didn’t "get it".

By LAoneWay on 10.02.19 1:15pm

Atriums, baby. Atriums!

By Cleavon Little on 10.02.19 2:35pm

Don’t forget those covered walkways

By mrjim1 on 10.02.19 3:35pm

I’ll take it for the glass globe light fixture.

The driveway paving hurts me, though.

By Cleavon Little on 10.02.19 4:07pm

Eww, hadn’t noticed that drive. Ouch!

By Bonkplatz on 10.09.19 4:20pm

Beautiful and mostly it’s about the views.

By CS7 on 10.06.19 12:50pm

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