Built on a summit in the mid-1970s and away from the Southern California hubbub, the Von Hagen Residence is an oasis of calm.

This Topanga residence is on the market for $11,995,000 and marries the best elements of midcentury modern design with an exceptional location.

Listing agent Christina Hildebrand couldn’t offer much information about the Von Hagen family, but she is certainly familiar with the home’s legendary architects, Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey—better known as Ladd & Kelsey.

The duo worked on a number of iconic residential and commercial structures throughout California’s Southland in the 1960s and 1970s. A 2019 exhibition chronicling the pair’s designs asserts their work “has left a lasting impact on California Modernism.”

Hildebrand says this four-bedroom residence feels like a “mini vacation every day.” Once inside the gates, there is nothing but nature and awe-inspiring views that stretch well past Santa Monica.

Secluded and tranquil

Hildebrand says her research revealed that the Von Hagens were a reclusive couple, which would explain the private nature of their gated home on 13 acres. It’s about an hour away—with no traffic—from Beverly Hills or Burbank; and a drive down the mountain to the shops and restaurants of Malibu takes about 25 minutes.

This home is “not for somebody who wants to drive into town every day,” she observes.

But for buyers with the means to snag this property, concerns about commuting probably aren’t paramount. The home will likely find a buyer who owns other properties and wants to collect more—like a work of art, Hildebrand says.

Inside the Von Hagen Residence

The photogenic 4,684-square-foot home was designed in an L-shape, with a spacious pool visible from most interior spaces. Tall sliding glass doors that frame the patio and pool area blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The open-air atrium measures 1,800 square feet, which isn’t counted in the home’s official square footage. The space opens up into the heart of the home, which features gorgeous wood paneling, wood floors, and ocean views.

Beyond the living spaces, the home features a long kitchen, a smaller butler’s pantry, and staff quarters.

In the luxurious primary suite, there’s a fireplace, a kitchenette, and two walk-in closets. There are three more en suite bedrooms, with one currently configured as an office.

The property’s current owner added a 3,300-square-foot structure, which hews to the original Ladd & Kelsey design. It serves as a luxury auto garage but could be used for a variety of purposes.

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