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Christie's Puts Frank Lloyd Wright Property On the Market

The 6,000-square-foot home, situated on a half-acre in the Los Angeles suburb of Los Feliz, is priced at $15 million.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

Photo by John Vincenti

In a coup for the luxury real estate biz, Christie's Great Estates division has landed the listing for Ennis House, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed textile-block masterpiece.

The mansion-marketing arm of the eminent auction house is representing Hilton & Hyland and Dilbeck Realtors in the joint offering. The 6,000-square-foot home, situated on a half-acre in the Los Angeles suburb of Los Feliz, is priced at $15 million.

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Located on a hill with panoramic views of the city, the estate is considered the best—and largest—example of textile-block design. This method of construction, favored by the master architect, features cast concrete blocks that are stacked, without visible mortar joints, using thin concrete and steel reinforcing rods.

"The Ennis House was the last of four homes my grandfather designed in this style," says Eric Lloyd Wright. "The home is a culmination of sorts, imbued with his ambition and confidence."

Photos by Tim Street-Porter

The Mayan-inspired property, consisting of a main house and smaller chauffeur's quarters that are separated by a paved motor courtyard. was recently restored by its current owner, the Ennis House Foundation, after the home was placed on most endangered lists by both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the World Monuments Fund. The home features a glass-tile mosaic fireplace, one of only three Wright ever created, and the last remaining intact example in any Wright residence. The restoration resulted in preservation awards from both the Los Angeles Conservancy and the California Preservation Foundation.

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

"Our goal has always been to be a good steward of the house," says Ennis House Foundation president, James DeMeo. "We've made a lot of progress, but at this point, a private owner with the right vision and sufficient resources can better preserve the house than we can as a small nonprofit."

Eric Lloyd Wright, also an Ennis House Foundation board member, adds, "My grandfather designed homes to be occupied by people. He created the space but the space becomes a creative force and uplifts when it is lived in everyday."

Photos by Tim Street-Porter

Images courtesy of Christie's Great Estates.