Designed by renowned architects Buff & Hensman in 1961, this Glendale home has recently been restored to merge modern amenities with its iconic original details. The architecture incorporates both Scandinavian and Japanese design elements, intended to blend effortlessly with its natural surroundings.
Perched high above Glendale in the Rossmoyne district, the home feels almost like a treehouse. It includes a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom main house, along with a fully permitted one-bedroom, one-bathroom ADU. Priced at $2,595,000, 1321 Cedar Court Road, Glendale, is listed by Jermayne Shannon at Compass.
The original homeowner was Robert V. Seeds, an advocate for equal rights who had a distinguished career in personnel management, serving in roles across various cities and educational institutions, including Glendale, Burbank, and the Los Angeles Community College District.
The home was renovated in 1991, losing many of its original details. The current owners vowed to bring the interior back to its mid-century roots. They used Donald Hensman’s personal residence “Domus Solaris” as inspiration and focused primarily on sustainability and simplicity. The stunning result echoes the atmosphere of both a Swedish ski lodge and a Japanese spa.
They replaced the 1990s block windows with ribbed privacy glass, noting its recurring appearance in several Buff & Hensman’s designs. In addition, they changed the proportions of the doors and windows in the entryway for enhanced visual balance.
The bright, open living area is defined by a mid-century sandstone fireplace and wall-to-wall windows. Wood floors and complementary wood paneling extend throughout, creating a warm, cohesive aesthetic. The space opens directly onto an expansive patio with verdant views.
The newly renovated kitchen incorporates contemporary upgrades while maintaining the home’s timeless character. It features custom European oak cabinetry and sleek new countertops. Carefully sourced handmade mid-century fixtures in the connected dining and living areas tie the space to its architectural origin.
The remainder of the ground floor includes a convenient guest bathroom and a fully renovated laundry room. There is also direct access to the two-car garage.
An original oak and fir staircase separates the two levels, which was uncovered by the current owners. They removed the 1990s drywall to reveal the historic banister.
The upper level has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including the south-facing primary suite. The suite features a green marble fireplace, along with a matching marble shower and countertop in the bathroom. A luxurious soaking tub sits within the same stone surround. Overhead, mid-century light fixtures elevate the wood ceilings throughout. From this level, there are sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles.
The fully permitted ADU has its own private entrance. It includes a spacious open living area with treetop views and two private decks. The kitchen mirrors the main house with European oak cabinetry. Designed as a flexible space, it is ideal for a creative retreat or artist studio.
At the heart of the garden stands a California Coast Live Oak that has been growing for over a century. Surrounding the substantial tree is a carefully curated selection of native and low-maintenance greenery. A pond and waterfall attract local wildlife like deer, hummingbirds, squirrels, and a wide range of birds and insects. The property is intended for those who appreciate both history and a connection to Southern California’s unique landscape.
Listing: 1321 Cedar Court Road, Glendale, CA 91207 [Compass]
