Description

// David Blankenhorn House / Guy Witter House, Roland Coate, 1923 //Designed by Roland Coate, FAIA 1937, originally for banking and real estate investor David Blankenhorn, 'The Man Who Bought Catalina (Island),' this French Norman Farmhouse was later renovated and expanded by Guy Witter, co-founder of brokerage Dean Witter & Company. Initially sited on a single parcel, the property was enlarged to include the adjacent parcel, and now spans over an acre of flat, gated land. After acquiring 1579 Lombardy, the property embarked on a 5-year renovation, finishing November 2024. Brought down to the framing, almost every element of the property was improved upon. General updates such as: plumbing, electric, HVAC, chimneys, seismic, roof and Lutron home automation system were added or replaced. In addition, more singular and superlative items were incorporated: raised entry-level and upper-level ceilings, distressed antique ceiling beams from France, steel doors and windows from Belgium, artesian grates crafted by the same company that supplies the Louvre Museum, and solid core segmental arched doors throughout. // Located in one of the best neighborhoods; designed and owned by the same entity who recently renovated and sold Jackie Kennedy's East Hampton summer estate, 'Lasata,' to fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford. Intended to be Owner's primary residence, immediately recognizable to the discerning buyer, the property exudes the same sense of unparalleled refinement and design as showcased in 'Lasata,' and the owner's previous high-end projects by Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Wallace Neff and Marston & Van Pelt.// Renovation Highlights //-> Torrance steel exterior windows and doors with custom powder-coated finishes; single-paned to match the original windows and doors.-> Custom-cast solid bronze HVAC grates & window/door hardware throughout, produced by Van Cronenburg foundry in Belgium.-> Vintage French White Oak timbers, dated to the 1750s, salvaged from river locks in France & milled on-site by hand.-> Lutron Homeworks lighting controls with engraved faceplates.-> Solid core, hand-crafted interior doors by Northstar Millworks.-> Barber Wilsons polished nickel plumbing fixtures.-> Reclaimed brick veneers throughout the exterior.-> Grandfathered, restored wood burning fireplaces throughout interior and exterior.-> Detached Guest Suite.-> Automatic driveway gate.