1960s Vintage Rex Lotery with a Chic Reinvention By SIMO Design, $15M

by Philip Ferrato

With great style and panache—architect Rex Lotery [1930-2007]—produced some of L.A.’s most memorable Mid-century homes. Born in London, he emigrated with his parents to New York in 1939, grew up in suburban Scarsdale, studied architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic and after working for other architects, found his way to California where he opened his own firm in 1957. He would go on to partner with the great Ray Kappe and mentor graduate architecture students at UCLA, but one of his most notable clients was Paul Trousdale—the forward-thinking developer of Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills, for whom Lotery would build this house in 1965, plus others nearby for other high-profile clients like Elvis and Priscilla Presley.

Fast forward to the more recent past, when it was acquired by Alexi Rennalls and Sam Gnatovich of the renowned design firm SIMO Design. Undertaking a complete renovation over two years, the couple sensitively restored key Lotery details such as cement block walls, bands of clerestory windows and sweeping horizontal redwood planks, while introducing new but entirely sympathetic ideas for an effortlessly chic result.

Below, the primary suite includes an extraordinary spa bath, and even the guest suite shows the exceptional level of detail the designers brought to the project.

SIMO Design created an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of architectural history by one of L.A.’s best practitioners, in one of Beverly Hills’ most sought after locations, completely updated for life in the 21st century by an exceptional design team. Represented by the architectural specialists Justin Huchel and Drew Fenton of Carolwood Estates, visit the listing for additional images and details.