Tucked into granite boulders in the Calabasas hills, “Condor Craig” is a one-of-a-kind, mid-century masterwork. Designed by Harry Gesner in 1958, this canyon home is instantly unforgettable. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home sits on a 4.69 acre lot. Price at $3,000,000, 965 Stunt Rd, Calabasas, is listed by Chantal von Wetter at Topanga Properties.
The house was originally commissioned by Fleet Southcott, the cinematographer known for his work on the television series Gunsmoke. The architecture reflects Gesner’s longstanding interest in structures that respond directly to the landscape. More than six decades later, the property remains one of the most notable examples of nature and architecture working in harmony.
A private drive winds through granite boulders, mature succulents, and Matilija poppies before revealing the residence. Set high within the Santa Monica Mountains, the house is positioned to take advantage of both privacy and surreal views. As soon as the home is visible, visitors are greeted by a tranquil entry pond. This is an immediate preview of the home’s calming atmosphere.
Rather than sitting atop the land, the approximately 2,500-square-foot residence is anchored directly into a granite cliff. Steel beams secured to the rock support the structure, giving it a secure connection to the site. Inside, Gesner continued that relationship with stone through the use of flagstone floors and a substantial Windy Hill Rock fireplace, quarried from the outcropping beneath the house.
The interior was designed to emphasize light, views, and an effortless flow between spaces. Clerestory windows bring soft northern light into the living areas, while large expanses of glass frame seven peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains. A sunken bar is incorporated into the main living space, reflecting the relaxed indoor-outdoor lifestyle that influenced much of Southern California’s mid-century architecture.
The primary suite is positioned in one of the most secluded parts of the house. Two walls of glass overlook the surrounding mountains, and sliding doors open onto a large aluminum deck cantilevered over the cliff. The primary bath also boasts a sunken stone shower that mimics the rocky landscape.
Outdoor spaces play an equally important role in the property’s design. Just beyond the primary suite, a hot tub and outdoor bathtub are located directly under a mature Deodar cedar, creating a private retreat. Wildlife is a regular presence here, with owls nesting in nearby branches and hawks often gliding through the canyon.
On the opposite end of the property, a detached guest house occupies its own rocky perch. Measuring approximately 800 square feet, the structure includes one bedroom and one bathroom. It can easily be used as a creative workspace. One of the most striking features of the property is the organic, lagoon-style pool that sits between the guest house and main residence.
A private well, complete solar system, and backup batteries provide off-grid capability. A sprinkler system, metal roof, and extensive aluminum decking add a significant measure of wildfire awareness. Located roughly six miles from both Malibu and the San Fernando Valley, the property is a structural feat and an homage to the natural beauty of Southern California.
Listing: 965 Stunt Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302 [Topanga Properties]
