Here is this week's, (and last week's and next week's) project. People who have seen my other work-related threads know that I have a real fondness for houses built in the 1920s and I try to work on them exclusively, but of course I take whatever comes my way. (With gratitude, usually).
This house belongs to a friend, he bought it in the mid-'90s for a relative song compared to its current value. It is one of the best houses in Hancock Park, a historical district of Los Angeles, and that is saying a lot. There are myriad examples of the best early 20th century architecture everywhere you look there. It is inside of Fremont Place, the oldest gated community in the city. There's only one way in and out, there are no street signs and you can leave your keys in the car and your doors unlocked. Crime is non-existent, the guard shack and entrance is less than 100 yards from the front door. It is Shangri-La. No traffic noise, ever. The only sound from the back yard is the occasional helicopter passing by.
It is built better than anything I've ever seen, the present over-all condition is fantastic. A finish carpenter buddy that I have over doing some jobs says that it must be built on bedrock. There isn't a crack anywhere, the cellar is dry and the doors open and close like brand new. It's Fort Knox, but also a little like a 1927 Duesenberg.
L.A. guys, a little favor: If by chance you recognise the house, could you please not ID the owner? I respect people's privacy and just wanted to share some pics of a great house w/ my fellow connisuers here. TIA.
