Looks like Abby and I both rushed out this weekend to catch the limited engagement screening of A Single Man, like the design-centric nerds we are. But while she focused on Charlotte's Hollywood Regency glam, it was George's (Colin Firth) striking and recognizable Mid-Century home that caught my breath. And yeah, also his meticulous organizational skills, vintage Mercedes and, of course, his impeccably-tailored wardrobe. There was a lot to love, visually…
The 1949 John Lautner-designed residence is supposedly set in a suburban-chic section of Santa Monica, but it is actually located in the Whiting Woods area of Glendale (527 Whiting Woods Rd., Glendale 91208, to be exact, for those of you wanting to do a weekend drive-by tour). While watching the film, I had a strong sense I had seen the home somewhere before, but only later, after a friend noted the home was a Lautner design, did I realize I had seen it a few times on the likes of Curbed and Architecture for Sale.
Just in case you've got $1.5 million, here's the listing for the house, which happens to be for sale:
Hidden in a wooded valley at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains, the redwood, concrete & glass residence opens to the oak forest that influenced the form and orientation of the design. A meticulous restoration of systems, as well as surfaces, hardware & appliances has been completed. This published, world class architectural treasure incorporates open plan living, dining and den areas, two bedrooms, one & a half baths, laundry and attached two carport. In nature and apart, yet just 15 minutes to downtown Los Angeles.
[Photos: Judith Lautner/John Lautner Foundation]
© 2010 Apartment Therapy
Seriously, Mark and I went to see this movie, and we loved the whole thing. The look; the look; the look; the look; basically the whole thing.
It was also well-acted and well-written.
But it was so insanely beautiful it just wasn't funny.
view Curtis's profile
my dream house!!
view vintagetramp's profile
I've read good things about this movie (granted, I read it in W--), but, the dialogue-free trailer makes me slightly suspicious.
Seeing that it's Tom Ford, perhaps this movie is visually stunning but with little plot?
view shirley-temple-of-doom's profile
AMAZING!! I'll take it... provided Tom Ford comes with the house. If anyone could let me know if that's the case, I'd be most grateful.
view jeffnyc's profile
I LOVE the trailer in that it was dialogue-free...the music and the scenes, the way it built up, gave me goosebumps. Cannot wait to see it!!
Plot or no plot, I love movies that appeal to my aesthetic, and it looks like this one will.
Also: Julianne Moore and Colin Firth...hello!! *Giddy*
view lilithstable's profile
SEE IT. It's a bit of a downer, true, but so lovely. Just stunning.
And not only does it feature our friend the Schaffer House, but a wonderful cast of other Modern buildings such as Chez Jay in Santa Monica and Ambassador College in Pasadena.
Oh, and Colin Firth, Matthew Goode, Julianne Moore et al aren't bad either.
view zingmark's profile
I will see it again just for the visuals.
Oh yes Chez Jay I was racking my brain trying to remember the name, use to frequent there and Snug Harbor years ago.
I remember when this Lautner house was on the market for $600,000. My ex and I looked at it but we did not want to live in Glendale.
view b77's profile
For those of you wanting to do a drive by tour, i suggest not bothering. Besides a high fence, there really is not much to see from the street.
(I live in the neighborhood)
view cravethemind's profile
Loved the film. Can anyone place the wool robe he was wearing at the end of the film?
view jmschert1's profile
I suspect the robe is by Tom Ford. In fact, I've done a little story purely on "Single Man" style (for the magazine I work for in Dallas) and I asked Ford's office about the robe, but no word back yet. In the meantime, if you're as detail-obsessed as I am, you might enjoy learning about other props in the film: http://www.papercitymag.com/Article/445/%26%2339%3bSingle%26%2339%3b-Chic/
view DRB2's profile
Saw the movie, loved the design, the incredible attention to detail is absolutely amazing , loved the feel of the movie and the photography. Colin Firth as George made me think of Dirk Bogarde in "Death in Venice" not because the parts they play are similar but just the general feel of subdued impulses and intriguing, mysterious personalities (for lack of a better word). Julianne Moore never looked better in any movie. She even manages to sound British and portray the 60's ambiance very well.
view manequin's profile
Beyond stunning. My favorite film of the season, by far.
view SparkerShop's profile
just saw this last night (it only just opened in Aus) and the first thing I say to the other half was "can we buy this house???" ...
such a stunning house, which in such a beautiful film.. is another character in the film... i think it plays just as big a part in the emotional landscape as the wonderfuly talented colin firth in establishing his solitude...
view ChristopherAlan's profile
great!! i'd like wear louis vuitton bags
view jchjchha's profile
i want to see some more photos and floor plans!
view brocktontriangle's profile
Hey - Does anyone know where the Julianne Moore House in A Single Man was located? Have an address?
view BrendaScoutMonster's profile