Inside a Legendary $16,000,000 Canyonside Mansion | On The Market | Architectural Digest

Today Architectural Digest takes you up into the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles to visit Garcia House on Mulholland Drive, a legendary mansion designed by architect John Lautner that was recently on the market for $16 million.
Aaron Kirman, Weston Littlefield, and Dalton Gomez of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate held the listing for this property.
Director: Alice Roth
Director of Photography: Grant Bell
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Talent: Aaron Kirman, John McIlwee
Producer: Chase Lewis
Line Producer: Joe Buscemi
Associate Producer: Landrie Hatcher
Social Producer: Shelly Simon
Production Manager: Peter Brunette
Production Coordinator: Kevin Balash
Camera Operator: Nick Massey
Drone Operator: Arran Alps
Audio: Mike Robertson
Production Assistant: Fernando Barajas
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Junior Editor: Paul Tael
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Colorist: Oliver Eid
Artwork Provided By:
© J. Paul Getty Trust - Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)
Annie Lapin www.annielapin.com/
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[@iissamiam]

This is another example of an excellent mansion. And considering it’s unusual shape, it’s kind of amazing how well proportioned the interior spaces are.

[@gennaterra]

Well... it's not a mansion, but a little jewel of architecture.

[@WelfareChrist]

at first I was gonna say it's too small to be a mansion, but it's just that its so well designed it doesn't look like it has as much space as it does.

[@KateCarew]

@@Opie.. sorry, but that is incorrect. A “mansion” is a 5+ bedroom house, minimum square footage of 5,000. Mansions tend to sit on smaller parcels of land (think appx 3-5 acres) anything larger would be considered an estate. Estates may also have barns, outbuildings and guesthouses. All estates are mansions, not all mansions are estates. This home could be a mansion so long as it met the square footage and bedroom criteria, since the architectural style is irrelevant. Since it’s actually a somewhat small home it doesn’t meet the criteria. That said, it’s still architecturally significant and a stunning bit of art.

[@underverse7]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ robot

[@jongreen4752]

@@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist8 shut your mouth

[@oliverhodge2813]

If you've played GTA, you know this house. Crazy to think that most people would probably only know it from that game.

[@adellis24]

Considering the scene from GTA was lifted almost directly from the 80s film Lethal Weapon 2 I’m sure there are just as many familiar with the film as there are with its recreation in the game.

[@rickgrimes.]

First thing that popped in my mind

[@Mwushs]

Doesn't ring me a bell, where is it from the game ?

[@bngr_bngr]

What’s GTA?

[@Kthomasritchie]

Lethal Weapon was there first.

[@DavidDatura]

Great retro-cool property. I hope it’s protected as a historically significant building in LA.

[@SummerSausage1]

what coolaid you drinking?

[@267cal]

Purple

[@maxmeier532]

A little pricey for a tiny home tree house.

[@DavidDatura]

@@maxmeier532 yes, it is rather pricey for what it is. Maybe the location and historical architectural significance contribute to that?

[@gennaterra]

@@maxmeier532 I would buy it in a heart beat if I could afford it. It's absolutely gorgeous. This is what architecture is all about.

[@minnae.1747]

Using the original plans for the pool was a stroke of genius! The house and the video are so exciting! I love the light combined with the plants behind the glass! I love the feel you are travelling back in time! I'm glad someone who really cared for the project took it over.

[@chulbulpandey1513]

This house just looks so special and well styled. It actually seems worth this enormous amount.

[@kgal1298]

For this one I won't even doubt the price, for others I'll roll my eyes. The Hills for all it's glamour and prestige isn't always the best place to live if you need to stay connected or you want to get to anywhere fast. The winding roads, risk of landslide, wild animals give it some big downsides for people with families. Normally the ones I think who do best up there are people without kids and who don't let their cats or dogs out, but that's just my opinion I'm sure some families love it.

[@jinglemyberries866]

Then I think you will love some of John Lautner's other work, too. He was a genius.

[@Varangian_af_Scaniae]

I know the FED has devalued the dollar. But no way in h ll is this house worth $16M. You can buy Honduras for that kind of money.

[@designgauge]

Surprised there was no mention of this being the house in Lethal Weapon 2 that Mel Gibson destroyed. Or at least they destroyed a replica of the house. Glad to know the building survived!

[@jimb1580]

Yes! Lethal Weapon! 💣 💥 I was lucky enough to attend an amazing party there... 😄 🍸✨

[@chendaforest]

DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!!

[@Marnelle43]

Okay…I thought it was the first one I think…..not the second…ya..,surprised they didn’t say it….

[@abeats1099]

It was also in Heat!

[@bluelotus3750]

Thank you! Was wondering if LW was mentioned.

[@surewinenot7113]

I watch some channels that renovate Chateaus in France. I never really thought about a mid-century house needing to be saved before. He did an amazing job. Let's hope the next owner doesn't ruin it again!

[@kgal1298]

Whoever buys this is hopefully someone who loves acrhitecture.

[@derek400004]

can you recommend which channels you watch for chateau renovations in France?? i'd love to watch them!!

[@hahna77]

@derek400004 most of us watch: How to Renovate a Chateau(without killing your partner), Chateau Diaries, Chateau de la Ferte, The Pethericks, Bordeaux Life, Chateau Life & Escape to Rural France

[@girl_friday9185]

One John to another (Lautner to Mcllwee) … for an owner to be passed the mantle of a piece of art and restore it so meticulously w/such caring and love of the art form that it is. It makes my heart sing to see Terrazzo of such impeccable beauty being restored to as original as it gets…To add that pool that couldn’t be initially built is such a gift. While most of us will never be able to afford a $16 million property, thanks to AD we get to take a peek and get to appreciate the vision of its architect. PS-How lovely the Garcia’s parties must’ve been!? PSS-from the fig tree indoors to the lovely low water landscaping outdoors, the vegetation selected for this property is pitch perfect! Wow.

[@michaelolson571]

I remember seeing this house as I drove away from Runyon canyon. You couldn't miss it as it was so unique and so beautiful. The hills of LA are full of awe-inspiring architecture. The person that gets to live there is seriously lucky.

[@corail53]

Lucky to be living in an overcrowded suburb on the side of a hill with horrendous smog issues?

[@hausofhanna5254]

Gotta love these old houses with great modern concept and proper execution

[@jasondownsnet]

I have a friend who use to live by this home. We would pass by it on long walks. It's just a as beautiful in person.

[@BestArtist]

It's funny how he said they had the "good luck" right after he mentioned the Hawaii volcanic rock. It's actually considered bad luck to take volcanic rock from Hawaii.

[@kalisto69jade]

I fell in love with this house when I saw it in the film "Lethal Weapon 2", I love how Riggs "destroyed"' it. I thought this house was fake when I watched the film.

[@godbluffvdgg]

As an east coast builder/remodeling contractor, I'm staggered by the work on this project...I've driven through the Hollywood Hills and Malibu...The architecture is so interesting and somewhat eclectic...I can't imagine having the money to do something like this; in California, especially! Amazing project!

[@canadude6401]

6:11 call me weird, but I always admired Terrazzo I saw in an institutional setting like a school, hospital or shopping mall. It's got that bumpy textured "look" with a silky smooth feel. I love the aesthetic and maintenance aspect of it, especially when it has the edge radius up to become a baseboard for dust and dirt control.

[@thelegend2776]

My house used to have all terrazzo floors. It's cool at first, but you get tired of it really quick. It is quite the contrary of eye-soothing. It makes spaces look cluttered, dirty and overall darker, especially if you live there. That's why we tiled over them with much smoother textures. It's a bit sad to destroy something which a lot of people consider historically-sigfnificant or classic, but the truth is that living with terrazzo floors is not that nice. They're ok for public spaces such as hospitals or schools, but they should be avoidad as much as possible in houses IMO.

[@natatatt]

I like it too. I've always wanted to use it in a bathroom. Somewhere relatively small so it doesn't overwhelm.

[@lath938]

I agree. I currently have them in my apartment and they never look clean.

[@thedivineenergy]

*What an absolute trill! I am astonished by the pure composition of a levitating structure. 😲🥰*

[@KATTAR-HINDU-SHUBHAM]

Called stilts.

[@jinglemyberries866]

check out the Chemosphere! Another house by Lautner.

[@tzitzsi]

Absolutely beautiful, what an impeccable renovation job they did. This is a dream house come true I'm obsessed!!!! If only architects/Developers of today making monstrosities in L.A. could take note of what real art, expression and architecture could be. The decor and house are just a perfect melding, just love it.

[@fredweinmann2610]

Video didn’t mention but this house was used in the movie Lethal Weapon.

[@paulmorel3186]

Yeah, Mel destroyed it ! :)

[@TVHouseHistorian]

This artifact is arguably the very best example of sunny LA living. Lautner would be ecstatic to see his original vision enhanced so perfectly.

[@cm4181]

I LOVE it when renovations undo a destructive reno and also ty their darndest to stick to the integrity of the building. But WHY would you ever sell such an INCREDIBLE building!? If I was rich enough to own such an original piece of artistic architecture (haha, yeah right), I'd never let it go!

[@SwinginDrummer]

Russ Garcia was a top arranger/composer of his time. I know him best for the three great albums he did with Louis Armstrong, on Verve, in the 50s, including Porgy & Bess also featuring Ella Fitzgerald. What an amazing house he had!

[@jeshkam]

The weight of the whole structure must be enormous. I find it astonishing how it's being supported on just those tiny pillars.

[@kareeema007]

Earthquakes

[@swaggy3987]

Earthquake go brr

[@jbette]

3:03 Re: _"Russ Garcia was a composer":_ That's fabulous! ... At first sight of the default pic (the massive windows side, exterior) ...- I was thinking music ... Like sheet music. ... Lautner really knows how to convey thoughts/impressions into design!

[@a.mie.533]

THIS. IS. SO. FANTASTIC. I think I couldn't spend even one single unhappy day in this gorgeous building.

[@2-me698]

Wow. Purely amazing. Just how that house makes you feel once you step in, how the light warms the space, how homie the interior decor make you feel. And my God! Did you guys see the tub. I mean pure love and joy is what I feel for this architectural structure. My hat goes off to all those who had a hand in bring it to this level. Wow🤤

[@pw2581]

This house is an absolute masterpiece! Loved learning about the details of the home and so incredible the passion the home owners have for the property! Love these kinds of vids!

[@Benjamin-ti1sd]

Iconic brazilian mid century furniture as well. Well done. A truly unique place can't go without these.

[@Hypertropes]

Man, Lautner was really incredible. Such a masterpiece and incredible restoration work!

[@chickens00p]

If you love architecture Lautner homes are definitely worth its price so if you're rich buy this instead of the typical sterile white box found in LA

[@itaibar8909]

Most amazing house I have ever seen! The owner did a great job respecting the original design and renovating 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@hailey_holmez]

This is the most beautiful house that I have ever seen! He did a wonderful job and deserves many *snaps*

[@Bubbles99718]

4 years to get the pool built!!! That blew me away. 2 years of permitting and 2 years of building! Yes, building on a slope is crazy hard but still. Yikes. Love Mid Century that goes in these more extreme directions. Wonder what it will finally go for. Probably closer to 10. Fun stuff, love it

[@whyamiheredlb]

At first I was a bit put off by the shape… but after the tour, I love each space and how seamless the spaces flow into each other. The decor is welcoming and that sunken living room with the shag… fabulous!!! I love the fact that it is not unnecessarily huge and cold with tons of bells and whistles that are not used nor needed, it seems to be quite cozy. Great job on the renovation and paying homage to the original design. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chloeuntrau4588]

This thick carpet is a no go in such a place!

[@Brian-os9qj]

Y’all did great work on this Lautner original, props to you!!

[@Bu-22]

Ever heard of Pele’s curse? It is believed that taking lava rock from Hawaii and bringing it elsewhere will bring a curse to whoever has it, only way to break the curse is to take it back.

[@tzitzsi]

I also thought about that !

[@xXTatiJellyXx]

Wow!! i hope one day to be able to afford something like this, and the fact that the owner has been so respectful to the original design is incredible ❤ it brings like a retro nostalgia feeling but at the same time feels like fantasy! Love it

[@carinawickstrom8788]

So beautifully restored and furnished! I love it

[@majordudette]

Beautifully and faithfully restored. A favorite of mine. Glad they built the pool.

[@natatatt]

The architecture is of course fantastic, but the landscaping is also really beautiful.

[@SharpieDiesel]

I saw this when I was cruising Zillow. Absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing!

[@shannono8397]

This would be the house to buy, it has everything going for it! Absolutely love every detail, the peach mirror...plants, stunning! I can only imagine waking up there. Love how it's a split design too. That Saltwater pool is so pretty~

[@267cal]

Man props to restoring this home and to the original architect👍

[@judykhaleck8034]

So proud of you guys Aaron Kirman, Weston Littlefield, & Dalton Gomez! 😊❤😊😊❤❤😊

[@carolwoodrealestate]

We are proud to have recently represented the buyer of this incredible property!

[@din1735sid]

I can even tell you how much OBSESSED im with this house its just *cheff kiss*

[@universalcommentator]

Finally a design that makes sense from Architectural Digest

[@amymalina5073]

The pool is beyond fabulous

[@oowatwat]

Ooh I really dig that they're emphasizing the mid-century look

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Thank you for the tour. Excellent! It is, indeed, art. I was most interested in the landscaping. Glorious! And that fig! Wow!

[@Editorknowsbest]

I really enjoyed this house tour! It was educational, fascinating, and truly unique- not just opulence for opulence’s sake.

[@mastahand]

Finally, a rich people house that doesn't look like a dead airport

[@GetOutsideYourself]

Really love his choices of materials and finishes. This is an iconic house in LA and glad to see it's being preserved. Hopefully the new owners will do the same.

[@celine5109]

ahhh by far one of my favorites! so wanna live there, beautiful structure!

[@paulbarr1923]

Absolutely out of this world. Awe-inspiring. MAGIC!!!!

[@chazzbranigaan9354]

Paul put you dic away it's a house u can't do that

[@alexkasper5029]

So incredible to see a thorough tour of a house I've always loved and wanted to get a better look at. Of all the LA modernists John Lautner is probably my favorite bc his work is so innovative and expressive, and feels truly inspired by Los Angeles. This house is a perfect example of that. His best work was often the result of taking the challenges and limitations of the project and finding creative solutions that really pushed the envelope of what residential architecture could be. I'd take John Lautner over Frank Lloyd Wright any day...

[@archwalks]

Unbelievable walk through the villa, whose facade defines the plan form of the pool. Thanks

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

Very nice house, cool design and meticulously maintained. My favorite detail: the ELO album near the turntable. A sure sign that the current owner is well over 50 years old.

[@jessikarabbid4720]

Wow!!! The architecture is so beautiful!!!

[@ddoug9504]

Another awe-inspiring design.. a real architectural art..

[@ptardieubaker]

Amazing rénovation, so sympathetic to Lautner's vision

[@zackwys]

Beautiful. Nice work!

[@theysay4407]

I love it its nice to put tropical plants there too😍😍

[@didiermeynders]

This whole house, including the furniture, is awesome. I can live there without changing a thing.

[@ashleysoule1805]

i am so in love w the garcia house!!

[@urgrunddesseins]

Love this. It's soo amazing, breathing space!

[@moneek3027]

Beautifully done!

[@Nora-B]

Such an amazing view. How lucky are the people who live there!

[@beardown6574]

First time seeing this and wow just remarkable! Such a wild design so unique!

[@swiggityswoogity961]

idk what it is about this house but it holds in my mind as my favourite property ever shown on AD, or any channel for that matter

[@douglasthompson9482]

Glorious in every way

[@chrisgray4239]

Excellent architecture, impactful and never ending...can't wrap my brain around it! Ouch!!

[@yasminhelenendangeredspecies]

Super Cool Treehouse and excellently refurbished/renovated. True attention to detail. Just perfection with the flooring. I can literally imagine the exact feel of that Lava rock. If you didn't say that it had any updates one would think everything including that gorgeous pool were all original. The pool design is like a ships hull. It definitely seems to belong due to the original plans. The lighting is truly golden🌞 I had a vision -while this was filming in the livingroom with the luxurious carpet your feet will just sink into- of Elizabeth Taylor standing in that living room with a big smile and talking to a friend. It just seems like something she would have liked. Now about that Orange phone....love it! I would give that number out to only family members. Like maybe 4 or 5 people max. This house needs a Baby Grand Piano 🎶 Somewhere to honor the late composer Garcia..to pay homage. I bet the acoustics are wild. Love the giant indoor Tree. Yes, the house does have that Treehouse feel to it. I love everything...except maybe the Cacti. They are just not my cup of tea. If I lived there my dog would have some of his Lhasa Apso crew to boss around and they don't need to be running into prickly sticky things. The furniture also looks so Cozy! Sunshiney Blessings to you 🌞 ~ Thank you for the Tour!

[@jell0pudding580]

that fittle leaf fig is magnificent!

[@DwainDwight]

Lautner really one of the great architects, he sadly gets very little recognition outside the US.

[@chendaforest]

I agree, he's probably one of the finest American architects ever and one of the few of Wright's students who's works can rival his master's.

[@CR-ip1il]

That looks like it could collapse and tumble off the cliff!! Scary!

[@neilnriley]

And yet it has stood there for sixty years just fine!

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

Listening to this has completely explained the $16 million price. Absolutely so worth it for someone to buy this. I hope they enjoy it.

[@karenpaxton]

I'd buy it but I don't know anyone in LA. Stunning piece of art.

[@scottidw8415]

I love this house. The open middle space is amazing! Very cat friendly

[@goldenlabelstudio]

THIS is what God wants! The video wasn’t long enough. LOVE!

[@lauriesyme207]

Love! 16 million, you got it! Done! Beautiful, thank you!

[@chiarak.8312]

beautiful and very cozy! Would move in in a heartbeat! :D

[@IrishBaron9903]

Lethal Weapon 2 house! Very nicely renovated!

[@lancedeschenes4046]

The novelty of the shape is a novelty. The interior of that house is beautiful organic design. No one would not be happy in that house.

[@AnDrEwScOtTWiLLiAm]

I wouldn't want to be in that home when the 'Big One' hits!

[@B.fly.11.11]

Wow I love it, it’s so amazingly unique❤.

[@malachiandisaiah]

Love it, what an amazing idea for a house!!!! ❤

[@hakhm]

What an iconic house

[@thebatman7192]

Unique And Cozy.

[@brodydeacon4090]

so magical the pool was the og architects design… iconic

[@heatherdeavalon]

Stunning!

[@napoleonsdauphin]

My dad's steel company has worked on a lot of these homes up in the hills. This one is pretty incredible. Peak LA.

[@kathleenweinberg6442]

It's a big beautiful mansions with lots of room and space

[@mrchopp100]

It would literally be a dream to live in this art of a home

[@stevemiller7949]

Very luxurious in many ways. Interesting to speculate what FL Wright would have thought. I can't imagine him using that kind of support system.

[@terrancearnold8530]

NICE what a spread!!!

[@theshypersistence]

I always put myself in the shoes of the homeowners who let these beautiful properties go and you can't help but wonder why they're selling and where they're moving to... Especially if this is their passion project and home for so many years. I get second-hand sadness for them 😅😢

[@jessicareigel8000]

Absolutely stunning.

[@citibear57]

The roofline looks as though it was inspired by Safeway's 'marina' architectural design. Very nice 👍

[@devinb3172]

I love that it doesn’t feel spacious and wide