A pristine example of midcentury modern architecture has hit the Los Angeles real estate market, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of California's architectural history. Located at 1811 Bel Air Road in Los Angeles, California, this meticulously maintained residence represents the only Case Study House by renowned architect Craig Ellwood that remains in its original condition.

The property is currently listed for $5,395,000 by Veronika Sznajder of Crosby Doe Associates. Built in 1953, this architectural gem spans 1,664 square feet and sits on a 0.19-acre lot in prestigious Bel Air. The home features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and embodies the quintessential California lifestyle that made the Case Study House Program internationally celebrated.

The Case Study House Program was launched in 1945 by Arts & Architecture magazine, introducing the American public to revolutionary concepts for efficient and elegant living. This particular residence served as design number 16 in the groundbreaking program, which sought to address post-World War II housing needs through innovative modernist design principles.

"The only Case Study House by Craig Ellwood that still stands in its original condition," notes the listing agent. "In 1945, Arts & Architecture magazine launched the now internationally celebrated Case Study House Program, introducing the broad public to new concepts for living well, and efficiently. This house is design 16 in the program."

Positioned near the top of prestigious Bel Air Road, the property offers stunning city and ocean views to the south and west. The seemingly floating, glass-walled, pavilion-like residence creates a direct connection to nature, flooding the interior with abundant natural light while maintaining openness to the surrounding garden and outdoor spaces.

The home's architectural features showcase Ellwood's masterful approach to modernist design. The steel framing is painted in a striking red color, creating a bold pop of color rather than hiding the structural elements. One of the most distinctive features is how the interior walls stop approximately one foot short of the ceiling, creating visual and spatial connections between rooms while maintaining the open, flowing aesthetic that defines midcentury modern architecture.

The living spaces are thoughtfully designed with an open-plan layout that includes the main living area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a two-car carport. A flexible space near the living area can be sectioned off with a curtain for privacy when needed, demonstrating the adaptable design principles that made these homes so revolutionary.

A particularly clever design element is the dual fireplace system, where the living room fireplace shares a chimney with an outdoor fireplace, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living that was a hallmark of California modernism. This feature exemplifies the Case Study houses' emphasis on breaking down barriers between interior and exterior spaces.

The current owner has undertaken extensive restoration work to return the property to its original specifications and finishes. Thanks to the meticulous documentation of the Case Study Houses, which were photographed and recorded in detail when they were first built, the restoration team was able to source authentic materials and recreate original design elements with remarkable accuracy.

This documentation process, spearheaded by Arts & Architecture magazine and photographer Julius Shulman, among others, created an invaluable archive that has allowed subsequent owners to maintain these architectural treasures according to their original vision. The careful restoration work has transformed this Bel Air residence into what can only be described as a midcentury time capsule that remains true to Ellwood's architectural vision.

Craig Ellwood, born in 1922, became synonymous with post-World War II California modernism by the end of the 1960s. Originally, the Craig Ellwood name belonged to a construction company, but Jon Nelson Burke, who often answered the ringing phone at Craig Ellwood Incorporated in the 1940s, eventually adopted the name full-time in the 1950s. Under this identity, Ellwood created three of the most iconic Case Study Houses and established himself as a leading figure in American modernist architecture.

The Case Study House Program ultimately produced 36 commissioned homes between 1945 and 1966, though not all were built. The program featured works by legendary architects including Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, Pierre Koenig, and Eero Saarinen, among others. Many of these homes have since been demolished, altered beyond recognition, or fallen into disrepair, making this pristinely preserved Ellwood example exceptionally rare and valuable.

For potential buyers, this property represents far more than just a luxury home purchase. It offers the chance to become a steward of architectural history while enjoying a lifestyle that embodies the optimistic, forward-thinking spirit of post-war California. The home's emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, natural light, and connection to the landscape continues to influence contemporary architecture more than 70 years after its completion.

The property's location in Bel Air adds another layer of desirability, as the neighborhood has long been associated with luxury living and stunning views of Los Angeles. The elevated position provides privacy while offering panoramic vistas that stretch from the city to the Pacific Ocean, creating a sense of living above the urban landscape while remaining connected to it.

This listing represents a unique opportunity for collectors of midcentury modern architecture, design enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to own a piece of California's architectural heritage. With its combination of historical significance, architectural purity, and prime location, the property stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Case Study House Program and Craig Ellwood's visionary approach to residential design.