The Derby House by Lloyd Wright in Glendale Hits The Market

[Update January 22, 2014]: This home sold for $1,590,000 on December 18, 2013. 

[Original Post]:

Images courtesy Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living

Images courtesy Google Maps

2535 East Chevy Chase Drive

5 Beds/2.75 Baths on 3,281 sqft on a total lot size of 1.53 acres built in 1926. The home is located in Glendale which hit the market on November 14, 2013 for $1.65 million. The home was designed by architect Lloyd Wright known as the Derby House who is always quoted as the son of the world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright has designed many homes in Southern California but the only other building in the SFV designed by Wright that I know of  is the Mat House in Reseda unless there are others. If you know, please do share. 

According to the LA Times, this home was commissioned by businessman James Derby, his wife, and two sons. By the time the home was completed, the Derby's separated and "only Mrs. Derby and the children eventually lived within its mysterious walls." The article goes on to state the home was purchased by Michael and Carole Dougherty in 1974 for an unknown amount which helps explain the ridiculously low 2012 property taxes of $1,508. Gotta love Prop 13. A review of the property records at Zillow show the home was sold for $46,000 on October 28, 1986 but that seems to be an error because Blockshopper shows that Dougherty's still own the property. It appears from the Redfin, that the Dougherty's tried to sell the home back in the summer of 2002 but that could also be some kind of weird error. This home was declared a landmark on the National Register of Historical Places meaning the house cant be torn down or modified without obtaining special permission which will most likely be declined. 

The listing description states:

The Derby House was built in 1926 and was designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright. This well restored residence is one of Lloyd Wright's strongest achievement. His genius at integrating nature and building is evident; the garage gates, fireplace grates, French door grills and closets are abstract renderings of the yucca plants growing on the surrounding hills. The Derby House is on the National Register Of Historical Places. Except for one bathroom and the designer kitchen, the house is basically unaltered. A double-storied living room features a fireplace with eight foot high wrought iron gates & overlooks mature oak trees in the garden. The redesigned kitchen with it granite counters, oak floors, leaded glass panes & cabinets compliment the original style of the house. Hexagonal dining room with floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Four adjacent lots which make the total lot size 1.5 acres are included in purchase price.

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here. 

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Write by: Unknown - Friday, November 15, 2013