A masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture is now available for purchase, as Richard Neutra's iconic Case Study House #20, known as the Bailey House, has been listed for $10.5 million in Pacific Palisades, California. The legendary 1948 home, which was expanded by Neutra himself with two additional wings and later meticulously restored by renowned architectural firm Marmol Radziner, represents one of the most significant examples of the Case Study program that championed efficient and affordable modern housing from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s.
Located at 219 Chautauqua Boulevard, the 1,849-square-foot residence sits on a generous 0.66-acre lot and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property holds particular distinction as part of Arts & Architecture magazine's influential Case Study program, standing alongside celebrated works by Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Rodney Walker. The home underwent careful renovations in both 2004 and 2016, with Marmol Radziner executing what the listing agent describes as "a sensitive restoration, elevating the house into the current century by seamlessly blending the new with the original."
The architectural significance of the Bailey House extends beyond its original 1948 construction, as Neutra himself was commissioned by the original owners to design two additions to the property—one completed in 1950 and another in 1958. This collaboration between architect and client over a decade demonstrates the evolving relationship between modernist ideals and practical living needs. The home's design philosophy adheres to Case Study program principles, appearing modest from the street while offering interiors that exemplify elegant simplicity.
One of the property's most notable features is its seamless integration with the California lifestyle, achieved through large sliding-glass doors that open the interior spaces to expansive rear gardens. The architectural layout consists of two pavilions connected by a covered breezeway, creating both privacy and flow throughout the living spaces. According to the listing agent, this design provides "a quintessential Southern California lifestyle" that maximizes indoor-outdoor living.
The home carries impressive credentials within the preservation community, having won a Santa Monica Conservancy Award for its thoughtful restoration work. From 2004 to 2015, the property was owned by Sam Simmons, co-creator of the animated television series "The Simpsons," who meticulously preserved the architectural integrity of the house while using it primarily as a guesthouse and office space. This period of careful stewardship helped maintain the home's historical significance while ensuring its structural integrity for future generations.
The current listing, handled by Frank Langen of Compass real estate, includes the unique benefit of being offered fully furnished, allowing the new owner to immediately experience the home as it was intended to be lived in. The furnishings complement the mid-century aesthetic and have been carefully selected to honor the architectural vision while providing modern comfort and functionality.
Situated among other architectural treasures in Pacific Palisades, the Bailey House continues to represent the innovative spirit of post-war American architecture. The Case Study program, which originally sought to address housing needs for returning World War II veterans, ultimately produced some of the most influential residential designs of the 20th century. This particular example stands as a testament to Richard Neutra's vision and his ability to create timeless spaces that remain relevant and exciting nearly eight decades after their initial conception.
