Honoring its original design, this Craig Ellwood mid-century marvel has been restored and upgraded with care. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom property was originally constructed in 1953. Priced at $6,295,000, 1515 N Tigertail Road, Los Angeles, is listed by Fielden Junglas with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
The architecture of this property has notable similarities with Craig Ellwood’s Case Study homes. Known as the Bryon Lamar Johnson House, it is the third home in Ellwood’s series of steel hillside residences. A stunning display of steel construction, this home has been upgraded seismically without sacrificing original character. The home is perched on modular frame steel columns and wooden beams, allowing it to project outward from the hillside for a suspended effect.
The location of this home is as exceptional as its construction, offering unobstructed views of the sparkling city skyline that extend all the way to Catalina Island. Set on a private lot along the prestigious Tigertail Road, the property is surrounded by other known mid-century architectural icons.
The property spans two addresses and is arranged to clearly separate primary living areas from guest accommodations. The main residence contains three bedrooms and two and a half baths. The ADU includes a kitchen and a full bathroom with a steam shower. The layout allows each structure to function independently while remaining visually and physically connected through outdoor space.
Design throughout the home reflects established midcentury planning principles. Floor-to-ceiling windows are used extensively and bring in consistent natural light. These windows also maintain a direct connection to the exterior, a defining characteristic of homes from this period. Structural posts and beams are left exposed and remain visible within the interior. Built-in storage is integrated into walls, reinforcing clean lines and an efficient use of space.
Terrazzo flooring runs through much of the home. Earthy green and terra-cotta tiles appear on walls and backsplashes, with both zellige and ceramic tile used throughout. Natural wood cabinetry is used in both the kitchen and storage areas. Wood ceilings remain exposed in key rooms and select walls feature retro wood paneling. An oversized brick fireplace anchors the main living space and serves as a primary architectural element. Decor is displayed in primarily warm, earthy tones.
The home has been updated with current systems and infrastructure. Whole-house automation controls lighting, climate, and shading. Lutron lighting and motorized shades have been installed for enhanced comfort and ease. The kitchen includes Gaggenau, Wolf, and Sub-Zero appliances. Additional modern upgrades include a new roof with a sprinkler system, new sewer and gas lines, solar panels with Tesla Powerwalls, EV charging, and a whole-house water filtration system.
Core mid-century features such as open planning, integrated storage, exposed structure, and indoor-outdoor flow remain intact. Restoration efforts focused on preserving original architectural intent rather than altering it. The property is likely eligible for Mills Act designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument, recognizing its architectural significance and providing a framework for long-term preservation.
Listing: 1515 N Tigertail Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 [Berkshire Hathaway HomeService]
