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Called the Domestead, this three-story circular house was designed for crafty residents.
Part futuristic, part bohemian, architect William King's Domestead in Los Angeles is certainly in a category of its own. Built in 1982, this unique dome home is instantly recognizable for its geodesic dome roof and eccentric shape, but the real-life experience begins when you step inside.
With three floors, it covers 180 square meters, offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms, each offering a different living experience. Proof that you can never quite predict what's behind a closed door, you enter the house from street level—the lowest level—which is built into the hillside. You are greeted by a curved open space in Brutalist style covered in concrete. The ceiling gradually intersects with the curve of the hill, while there is a space in front, and the entire building has 15 skylights for a dose of light.
"The house has a very down-to-earth and earthy feel," says real estate agent Molly Kelly of Nourmand & Associates, who is trying to sell the home with Susan Irving. "However, there is an innovation and wow factor in every detail." Everything is really thought out and incredibly interestingly done. You have this super dramatic look when it comes to the architecture, but the actual liveliness and functionality of the space is very fundamental. The combination of the two makes it incredibly unique and special.”
The floor above is a lodge-style level with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA skyline. On this level is the redwood wood-framed kitchen, which is panelled with windows and filled with light. The shape of the house makes the layout different from most on the market, but every detail has been perfected specifically for this form, from the angles of how the drawers slide out to the way the tables are aligned. Exposed wooden beams give this level a rustic and charming feel. Yet there is everything you need, from ample preparation space to state-of-the-art appliances.
The third and highest floor, accessed by a spiral staircase, is a geodesic dome, surrounded by a wooden deck. This room has a blue and purple triangle design, triangular windows and an open, multi-purpose space with a bedroom, sitting area and more. "Being in a dome feels like you're on a cloud because you have a variety of blues and a very spacious living space," Kelly says. "There is a very ethereal feeling at the top."
There are many cosy nooks on all levels, such as a lighted sleeping and sitting room hidden behind a round painting that also doubles as a door, as well as a skylight sitting area bordered by a stone wall. Triangular windows, curved edges and eccentric room shapes make this home ideal for those who do not crave the standard and ordinary. Each level and room have their own vibe. For this very reason, this home has been used as a creative centre for artists since 2000 and has been owned by several artists since its inception. It is a landmark and an important piece of architecture for LA's contemporary art community.
