Inside the Iconic and Action Packed Home of James Goldstein (House Tour)

Overlooking the city of Los Angeles, Sheats-Goldstein Residence by John Lautner and James Goldstein is an iconic and action packed home that ignites the idea that a residence is an expression of its owner. Built and designed to reflect James’s life and experiences, the house asserts a dominance over the landscape with its frameless glass walls, hidden wonders and angled corners and turns. After buying the residence in 1972, James sought the help of John Lautner to re-model the home after observing the previous owner’s undesirable changes to the original design. Part of James’s wish was to return the structure’s lost character through dramatic improvements. After John’s passing and having resided in the home for 45 years, James has continuously worked on adding to character of the iconic and action packed home, with respect to John’s original vision.
Opposed to building anything that resembled a box or came to a 90-degree angle, John Lautner designed the home with angular walls, built-in furniture and open plan floor spaces. Wanting the residence to feel natural, the use of concrete floors is used to help imbue the feeling of openness, while carpets used within the home are designed to look like small stones and deepen the natural impression. Additionally, the frameless glass wall that occupies the living room continues to unite the indoor and outdoor spaces and enables views of the tropical foliage and vegetation that surround the building.
Spanning across over 1.5 hectares of hillside, the home’s landscape is saturated with thick foliage and vegetation that holds hidden walkways, ponds and open grassy areas. Additionally, the unique character of the iconic and action packed home is further emphasised with the James Turrel skyscraper. Tucked into the lower hillside of the home, the building acts as a form of art, allowing for one to sit back and delve into the appreciation of light and shadow. Built after John’s passing, the skyscraper, office space and Club James - the nightclub underneath the house - were heavily influence by John’s initial work. Able to complete the work due to their long and shared history, James honoured both his own experiences and visions, and John’s somewhat rebellious design tactics through each new space.
Extremely proud of the finished design, James’s desire for the iconic and action packed home to remain unchanged after he is gone remains evident through each chosen material and design element. Wanting the public to share in what has been accomplished, James has entrusted the property to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to serve as an inspiration for good architecture, landscaping and overall design. Sheats-Goldstein Residence challenges the conservative belief of design, posing the argument that architecture and interiors are derived from an expression of oneself.
00:00 - Inside the Iconic and Action Packed Home
00:49 - A Reflection of Mentality and Personality
01:16 - A 1972 Purchase of Amazing Design and Views
02:14 - The First Step in the 45-year long Renovation Process
03:14 - No Separation between Inside and Outside
03:42 - John Lautner's Dislike of Box-like Forms
04:09 - A Focus on the Natural Elements
04:43 - The Addition of Tropical Vegetation
05:30 - A James Turrell Skyspace
06:05 - The Continuation of John Lautner's Legacy
06:45 - Two Rebels Working in Cohesion
07:21 - Preserving History and Hard Work
For more from The Local Project:
Instagram - / thelocalproject
Website - thelocalproject.com.au/
Print Publication - thelocalproject.com.au/public...
The Local Project Marketplace - thelocalproject.com.au/market...
To subscribe to The Local Project's Tri-Annual Print Publication see here - thelocalproject.com.au/subscr...
Photography by Tom Ferguson.
Architecture by John Lautner, James Goldstein and Conner & Perry Architects.
Filmed and Edited by Cheer Squad Film Co.
Production by The Local Project.
The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#Iconic #ActionPacked #Home
SyncID: MB01IYV8F8EQHZ7

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope you enjoyed the iconic home of James Goldstein, designed by the late John Lautner. Sheats-Goldstein Residence is a part of our North America Series and for more of the latest and greatest in architecture, interior design and house tours, make sure to subscribe to our tri-annual hardcopy print publication - thelocalproject.com.au/subscribe

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

once I saw him in Milan with two models following him and I went to say hello, he smiled at me and I immediately noticed a great ability to communicate even just through body language, this man manages to live on three levels of consciousness at the same time, not he reacts to life but lives it to the full

[@Str8Steez]

The most incredible story, landscape, and architecture I have ever seen. Truly ahead of its time. This was an oddly emotional piece.

[@vnkman4391]

totally.

[@GwaiZai]

he's a bad person who made his money off of the backs of everyday people. Look him up on wiki.

[@rebeccaw9656]

It hasn’t escaped my attention that this architectural masterpiece was completed over half a decade, beginning with his tight budget in the 70’s, and not all at once. Piece by piece, area by area. It’s beautiful.

[@Zjaan321]

Can't believe how much The Local Project has grown and the insane amount of skill and passion in the videos and editing. Go big!

[@televisionsnow4569]

‘’I didn’t have much money when i bought it..’’ 😂 good one

[@tracygee]

He isn’t lying. He bought it for $185,000. That was a decent amount in the 70s, but not a crazy amount.

[@chadross]

@@tracygee Imagine being 32 years old buying a property like this in the hills of LA for that amount. It was the 70s, but what an investment.

[@henryhealy]

Wow. What a home and incredible story. The Local Project keeps getting better and better at delivering wonderful pieces.

[@TheLocalProject]

Thank you Henry, we appreciate that!

[@gamby16a]

I'm bummed to see James deteriorating, but his spirit and insight are still fantastic. Hard to imagine owning a home this iconic.

[@reddae6910]

This marvel of a home is jaw-dropping. I had my mouth open the whole time. There is so much here in this to comment on … so many details and beauty displayed here… all I can simply say is I believe this is the most beautiful, nature-synthesized, magnificent dwelling place I’ve ever seen. It’s literally paradise - inside and out. Absolutely incredible !

[@barrybr1]

I think this is one of the greatest pieces of architecture ever created. It's 'over the top' for sure but WOW

[@ArvinOlano]

Tearing up in the end because you can feel the love and the passion that went into this property. Incredible!

[@TheLocalProject]

Exactly right, us too!

[@Shmancyfancy536]

And lack of sympathy for all of his trailer park tenants.

[@SimonLy17]

I've seen many videos documenting this home, but as always TLP shoots it out the park with amazing concise editing and amazing narrating and storytelling!

[@1nnu3ndo]

This and the Chemosphere house are two of my all-time favorite architectural residential designs. So beautiful.

[@TheReverb1]

Add Marbrisa house. That is beyond cool

[@ItaloMuniz16]

You might then enjoy the Milan Residence, by Marcos Acayaba

[@TheReverb1]

@@ItaloMuniz16 Of course; I even have photos of the initial constructions somewhere. I think the house that he designed nextdoor for his daughter; is not cool as this. Te interaction with the patio is pretty solid and the house is nice but not an icon

[@angarangara2183]

a home is a mentality, this is the biggest thing i took away from this video. A natuarl piecing labour of art

[@RandomVideosJayson]

This is with a doubt the most incredible home I have ever seen! To dream this into reality almost seems impossible, but yet here it is. Amazing!

[@teahousezenmaster]

I never cease to feel very poor when I watch these videos.

[@BoudiBe]

poor and loser hahaha

[@erink4685]

😂

[@mehdimohamed6291]

☠️

[@joycesolomon6002]

😂

[@marcoandremartins]

😂

[@grecow3484]

I appreciate it when someone has a vision and then the dogged determination and money to see their vision realised. This is a wonderful example of how great design was successfully conserved and improved. That garden!

[@TheLocalProject]

Very well said Greco!

[@thinkcasting3182]

But the guy is a disgusting pervert friend of Epstein.

[@TheReverb1]

Sadly in the meantime; he torn down another Lautner s house besides (to make the night club)

[@bbfoto7248]

​​​​​@@TheReverb1 Yes, I watched the slow process of this happening over the many years that I worked on the property and in the original/main Lautner house for various photo/film/tv/music productions since the 1990's. It's an incredible property, but I doubt that the behemoth night club and office is one that Lautner would have approved of or signed-off on. And Goldstein was already well up into his years when he broke ground on the nightclub. I guess he's trying to preserve and or re-live his younger "glory days" of clubbing. :/ But it would be similar to seeing your grandpa or Trump or Biden at a club or rave in designer snake-skin and alligator-skin "fashion attire", snorting coke, and with their hands all over and groping your twenty-something GF. :puke: Just a bit creepy to say the least. I spoke to Jim many times while working at the house and he was always amicable and interesting to talk to. But we all knew there was something odd and dark about his eccentricism and narcissism. He is an "odd bloke" for sure, and if you look into how he made his fortune, it is quite a disgusting and repulsive story that would anger any decent human being. :(

[@TheReverb1]

@@bbfoto7248 Interesting point of view what you have. The good point about all that is he decided to let the house (after his death) as a museum to public view. I hope to will travel there to see it

[@aninomiai3923]

Listening to him takes a lot of patience, but it allows me to soak in on everything that's happening in the house. His way of thinking and creativity is clearly reflected on the interior, exterior and the landscpe of the house. I don't know him, but he's cool.

[@morningdew1821]

Iconic Indeed. Congratulations to the Local Project. Venturing to LA to cover this seminal residence by the visionary architect John Lautner and the equally fearless of convention client/owner James Goldstein.The video coverage of this house in this post is some of the best I have seen of the residence. And a perfect time to cover it as well since Goldstein has completed the many extra additions and grounds. I have seen this spectacular place evolve over many years, so it was with great satisfaction and joy to see your superb coverage. Thanks again for all of your fine work. You are doing a service to design and the design profession as well as to the clients from which it all couldn't happen without.

[@TheLocalProject]

Thank you, we appreciate the kind words - a lot!

[@dbo.vision]

You can't describe in words the feeling you got when you see this architecture. It's not ordinary, it's not usual as day by day concrete, glass, a bit of wood here and there homes. When I saw the video I was mesmerized, kind of magic spell deep hypnosis, seeing all the structures, the perfection between concrete, glass, wood, colors, angles, vegetation, video editing, narration, sound selections. With a vibe of 60s retro blended deep in future with minimalism and brutalist pieces this place is perfection in a world of chaos. It's simply beautiful ! Stunning work @The Local Project for this video.

[@FloydTaylor]

James frequently turns that tennis court into a basketball court in the Summer and it has been lauded by some NBA players as the best court in Los Angeles (if not the world). He even let Lebron James set up shop (the basketball court) when filming Space Jam 2. First time I have seen a video on the house and the landscape. Looks amazing! Great get for the channel!

[@aldonanedurna2269]

What a project!!! Not only the house is a dream house, but also the landscape😍

[@kingchris8254]

This took my breath away… simply wow

[@leonacollet4051]

Dear James, you have a beautiful home and the landscaping is perfect.

[@Dee_M]

Great minds and absolutely gorgeous architecture! Thank you The Local Project for sharing the most unique projects.🖤 Keep going!

[@TheLocalProject]

Our pleasure Doyna!

[@artemisxw8708]

Im speechless. It deserves a standing ovation! Superb!!

[@mirtikaschultz3282]

What marvelous architecture. A fabulous home..and how cool to have the owner talk about it.

[@mitchelljsawyers]

I've known about this amazzzing residence for a long time. I did not know the back story, but with Mr. Jame's narration, presented a sublime look into the architectural masterpiece. I bet this home is even more exquisite at night. Lautner, Frank Lloyd Wright were visionaries ahead of their time.

[@nikkilogan7726]

WOW! I AM BLOWN AWAY!!! 😲😎💖 I never thought this rock-star status home would definitely be stunned by this wonderful & amazing home! The architecture, the space, the design, the inspiration, all molded into one! THE DREAM HOME THAT MADE HISTORY A LEGEND! James Goldstein was definitely an IDOL not just on NBA but also on real estate & architectural home. Truly a spectacular rock-star home! Very James Goldstein!! Thank you so much Local Project for this feature! Kudos to all of you!

[@grb2015]

As an Architect I must say this is a Masterpiece, even if not all details are my style. But I love the feeling of the rooms

[@nazarene5680]

I feel enriched when I see properties like this. Architecture that encourages and encompasses nature is very important. It’s balanced. What an amazing home.

[@TheLocalProject]

We agree!

[@paulm5817]

a mans passion for his home and the landscape - a beautiful thing

[@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes]

That house abides!!!

[@hollywoodd3191]

Came looking for a Lebowski reference!

[@emrald13]

I have been obsessed with this house for years but never knew the guy who lived here was also so, so cool. What an inspiration. Thank you Local Project for taking us here. I can't wait to see how this house lives on!

[@gwendolyn7462]

He is a slum lord

[@mattl240]

Loved this ever since seeing it in The Big Lebowski. Really cool to see more details

[@mariapilarme]

The most gorgeous house I ever seen with a part of a jungle landscape. You can tell the house is very much ❤️ love!

[@blujay9030]

Wonderful to see how proud he is of this house. Thank you for sharing his story and i hope he gets his wish. I hope it remains as beautiful as it is now

[@tvtechnicaldirector]

James Goldstein donated it to LACMA, so it will be preserved! Such an incredible piece of architecture.

[@greatestsportslegends]

Truly spectacular, inspirational, and aspirational design. I do hope that when that day comes, whoever is fortunate enough to take over this incredible property, will acknowledge, respect, and appreciate the character and uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind home.

[@SU_HU]

WOW, just WOW ❤❤

[@patrickbateman9314]

My favorite house ever and by my favorite architect. I hope to one day visit It and take a tour

[@ExultantTJ]

I have seen the Enes video for the same. The house is just mind boggling. I am so excited to see what the Local Project is going to come up with. 😊

[@TheLocalProject]

We’re excited to show you!

[@jesushimself19]

best one yet

[@Holden27Official]

An absolute masterpiece. I’ve watched this channel for nearly a year now, and this might be my favorite one yet. Amazing!

[@AShogunNamedDavid]

I just toured this house last Saturday, got to very briefly meet Jim, and left absolutely fucking amazed. Without question THE COOLEST house I have ever been in.

[@lydia2494]

no words....

[@ms.x1669]

Best home I've ever seen 😢

[@todd-7819]

Beautiful house. I recognize it from Doja Cat’s ‘Say So’ music video. The landscaping of 4 acres is incredible. Beautifully done, what an oasis.

[@jlworrad]

I just checked the Doja Cat vid out. It's amazing how many commenters think the house is a specially built set.

[@user-tv2gh3dy5b]

i recognize too.. ) i was interesting who also did it too....))) found your comment by word - doja cat.

[@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes]

@@jlworradThe owner had to get the entire home disinfected and fumigated for all sorts of bugs after this Doja Cat guy?/girl? finished recording their video.

[@jlworrad]

@@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes What? Really? Is she an actual cat?

[@trevoraboussafy6900]

I knew it as soon as i saw the living room. Thats Jackie Treehorn’s house from the big labowski.

[@stephensadler2571]

All the Dude ever wanted was his rug back.

[@maireboy]

wow. thanks for sharing

[@TheLocalProject]

Hope you enjoyed!

[@mujerconcriterio]

OMG!!! AMAZING HOUSE.. God bless you for having this beautiful vision !!🤎🤎🙏🙌🌿

[@thunderousapplause]

What a remarkable man in his remarkable home.

[@henryrosenblit5610]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us...James!

[@ramankhumukcham9061]

The first thing I felt is a spaceship!

[@kappistarr3484]

Rare - such dedication to a man who saw everything with open eyes and a rebel who continues to keep him alive - well done✨

[@DanMolinaStudio]

Holy Jesus guys!!!! This may be my favourite video in your entire page!!! I can’t believe you managed to put all that in under 9min. Wow!

[@1abioye]

Wow! I did not expect this. A home for the ages. Cheers Local Project!

[@gracesmail1900]

I will worship at the alter of this masterpiece forever. Thank you James.

[@DNBon.an808]

This is glorious, James, well done! Thank you for entrusting it to the city; I hope to see your work in person one day. remarkable, mad respect

[@glen3862alva]

What a magnificent property, and equally magnificent man. Hats off to you. Congratulations on a job very well done.

[@mariainparis]

Amazing 😍 saw this man so many times in my life walking to fashion shows, but never knew who he was. And here he is with this amazing home! Sublime, bravo James 👏🏻🤩

[@jasonpace4990]

can only imagine what kind of things happened inside that hillside building. looks soundproof

[@gwendolyn7462]

yeah.........your worst nightmeres

[@stone9303]

What a home. Beautiful lovely

[@ElikeIke]

Really amazing. An interesting marriage of architecture and landscape cemented by the owner’s personality and passion for good design

[@leifkemp]

Always a joy to see someone who "gets it", w the desire & means to make it happen! 💪🏼❤️

[@ifitistobeitisuptome]

Possibly one of the most incredible houses on planet Earth! Thank you for the 4K quality! I really appreciate it!

[@TheLocalProject]

Our absolute pleasure!

[@bubediscuss]

I had the privilege of shooting a fashion film here in 2017. At lunch I just spent the entire hour walking around the property searching for right angles 😆 An inspiring space to work in even if for a day.

[@TwistedShrapnel]

Have had the pleasure of visiting this home. It's fucking incredible, this video does it justice, but my god, just experiencing the home... spellbinding.

[@JohnDennery]

That concrete waffle vaulted ceiling is incredible and the room he was talking in 🤤 Incredible, yes I have to say it again; incredible

[@opusnone1]

Just when you think it can't get cooler, along comes a James Turrell Skyspace to blow your mind!

[@sjfleishnetworkportal]

ICONIC!! Truly a pricelesss masterpiece!!!!

[@neilsant1194]

Every garden detail was amazing.

[@kakilino]

wow!! just wow!!

[@thebob01]

Love this house. Absolute masterpiece. Definitely one of Lautner's best. Would love to visit it one day

[@Brian-nt1hh]

An inspiration for sure. John Lautner designs are not boring. That is a good thing. Out of the box, with John Lautner is my credo.

[@MrRory]

I have watched this several times.

[@BenjiiBee]

This is something else. I want to live in something designed similarly in the future. Just a bit smaller :')

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

What an amazing house, wayyyy ahead of it's time

[@EricLawtonForbes]

Love this home & the space surrounding it 🙌🏼

[@hendu7111]

Gotta give it him, it is a fantastic house, even today in a city full of mega-mansions. Good job my man. It is awesome so congratulations on a fine job.

[@nateishacampbell9830]

Exceptionally beautiful. I would love to explore this visionary space one day.

[@arch.martinadamec7074]

fantastic!!!

[@andrewgreen3779]

WOW....! I LOVE THIS ONE...

[@nickcarter5569]

The two rebellious J’s who carved their own path literally, and figuratively will never be forgotten; their work cemented in time. Monumental and mysterious, they stand as inspirations to us all to be an individual, to be you. Thank you James Goldstein and John Lautner. 🙏🙌👏🫡

[@muthmainnahhusseinbawazier1458]

What a perfect home

[@jean-philippehuot2178]

Truly a piece of art!

[@MarkTierney]

Wow!

[@lucaspinelli9801]

The one and only. No doubt this will be the best GR tour to-date. I can’t wait.

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope so! Thanks Lucas.

[@jorgecanalesbarrera7090]

Breathtaking!!! Amazing project, owner and video

[@hejhopp7736]

Spectacular! This is truly a masterpeace and inspire me so much on my journey halfway through my architect education ❤

[@pissedoffatyt]

Great house

[@magstheonlyone]

An unbelievably cool house for an unbelievably cool man!

[@guillermomeza8373]

Bravoooo!!!

[@davidsheppard1362]

A wonderful property and a wonderful gentleman.

[@morriganwitch]

I love this xxx

[@sensto]

I love the architecture and landscaping of this home and can't wait to dance in Club James! Such a vibe.

[@Kim-cn5bl]

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing I really wanna visit here

[@ciaosatia]

This vision and design is so phenomenal. Absolutely love his philosophy regarding the conservative boxes and small-mindedness.

[@billyabroad8057]

Can’t wait!

[@Laguna2013]

wow the whole experience blew me away I don't know who this gentleman is but I share the mad passion

[@UNIONSTEVEMUSIC]

Great video, thanks for sharing this!

[@TheLocalProject]

Our pleasure!

[@amandinep.1315]

I love it❤