The oceanfront path from Newport Beach pier to near the end of the Balboa Peninsula has seen a lot of teardowns and new construction in recent years. It's an interesting assemblage of buildings stuffed onto mostly small lots. I'm afraid that had I not been aware of it, I would not have particularly noticed this house; in fact, surviving old, small houses now get the attention. I do recommend the 2-mile walk, one way. There's plenty of interesting houses elsewhere on the peninsula, and you can take a peek at a private island on the bay side.

The trouble with some of these privately owned Architectural history book gems, is that you actually can't visit them on the inside, except for rare occasions. Being an Architectural nut (and Architect), this goes back a long way for me in terms of years, as I knocked on the door as a daring student of A. ('93), was courteously welcomed into the kitchen and even-so courteously told there was no possibility of seeing the house at that time (Owner in a wheelchair, sharing the conversation w/ caretaker). I would travel in state right now to an appointment if I could, and try to find out about opportunities as the local Architectural chapters do organize one or two times a year visits, but good luck getting the notice, or on their email list:). Anyway, there's no doubt this almost 100-year old building is worth a museum status, but privacy and Architecturally history book gems have a public relationship with tensions. For reference; the sublime Neutra Palm Springs house is not even able to be visited anytime, due to private Ownership preferences (?). I don't know, but if you're able to knowingly buy a Landmark, world-wide known Architectural gem and just use it for private pleasure and comfort, there just seems to be something 'off' to me, with-holding the world from it. But that 's just my 2 cents:)

Incorporating the design palate of artists like Kahn, Wright and Green & Green it's a marvel to behold. Completion of this house was in 1926 by Rudolf M. Schindler of Vienna, Austria---who graduated from the Vienna Academy of Arts. Schindler's design was influenced by his Professor Carl König. In addition his Austrian friend Richard Neutra (whose career in Los Angeles was similar) and their dual adoration for early modernistic design made for a great friendship. This private residence was designed for the Lovells and the living structures on the North side of the house allowed for proper ventilation through circulation of fresh air. Foundation is concrete and nurtured in five reinforced frames.

I was hanging out at the beach with one of my friends and I had heard about this house before so I decided to walk over and take a look at it. I must say that for being almost a century old (built in 1926), it looks like it could have been made 50 years later! It's a very forward-looking design and is a precursor to the modern architectural styles that would become popular after World War 2. Since it's a private residence I didn't go inside but the bare-bones aesthetics of the exterior has its own special kind of charm and it is definitely worth seeing if you're in the area.

This place is right by my grandparents beach house and we have walked by for years. I wouldn't spend more than a minute or two here and it's not open to the public.