On its face, it may not seem like Charlie Chaplin and Sam Francis have much in common. The former was one of the most iconic comedians and filmmakers of our time, and the latter was a world-renowned abstract expressionist huge in Southern California’s art scene, yet both men have ties to one address in Santa Monica.
Mere blocks from the beach, the property was once owned by Chaplin, who used it as a garage for his fire-truck collection. Francis came along later, turning it into his home and studio, where he hosted other notable L.A. artists like Ed Ruscha, Ken Price, Larry Bell, and Ed Moses. A 2006 fire destroyed much of Francis’s former creative compound, but a new owner constructed a fresh, modern abode with the help of the Malibu-based architect Christopher Sorensen. That residence is now on the market for $12.5 million, listed by Frank Langen and Lili Geller at Compass.
Hand-carved Indonesian stone tubs are found in the bathrooms.
Anthony Barcelo
While the home itself is relatively new, the design brought in tons of elements that connect it to days of yore—far before Chaplin and Francis came into the picture. The entrance gate has been repurposed from 500-year-old monastery doors, while the teak floors date back 300 years. There’s certainly a contemporary-meets-Zen aesthetic on display here, and the property’s water features play into that as well: The rectangular pool actually flows into the kitchen, with a floor-to-ceiling pane of bulletproof glass serving as the dividing line between indoors and out.
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Despite some of these more eclectic features, the home still feels distinctly comfortable and relaxed. Soaring ceilings top the main entertaining spaces, and every area opens right up to the yard. The impressive primary suite has its own kitchenette just steps from the bed, and the closet is a full-size room with glass-fronted cabinets so you can easily peek in on all your sartorial fancies. Hand-carved Indonesian stone tubs are featured in the bathrooms, with five bedrooms and seven baths in total.
The primary suite’s massive walk-in closet and dressing room.
Anthony Barcelo
In the yard, which is more of a central courtyard than a backyard, the pool and spa are accompanied by a built-in grill and a seating area centered around a fire pit. Sculptural landscaping comes courtesy of Johnston Vidal Projects. Built to LEED principles, the home also includes solar-powered backup systems that could supply several weeks of off-grid power.
Click here to see all the photos of the Santa Monica property.
Anthony Barcelo
Source: Luxury - robbreport.com
