There’s a glass tent in California

What’s up, friends?

February is almost over… which means Winter slowly -and I mean SLOWLY- coming to an end. So, to manifest some warmth, let’s take a trip to Santa Barbara, California, where two renowned architects, Lutah Maria Riggs and Thomas Church, collaborated on a stunning glass home…

Built in 1951, this midcentury modern marvel, named The Erving House, has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and over 4k sqft. During the year it was erected, Time Magazine called it a “glass tent” -which clearly contributed to its present-day price tag of nearly $17 million dollars.

n the way to the front door, take a peek at well-trimmed greenery and the very 1950s garage -with a roof that I’m really a fan of! 

As we finally get through the doorway, we’re greeted with lots of glass -a whole wall actually, that some might even call… a tent (*wink wink*). It allows sunlight to pour over this space full of sleek, artistic woodwork.

Walk around the wood to a long bookshelf, stone wall, high ceilings, (what looks like) a crushed velvet couch, and an overall minimal living room. Like, don’t get me wrong, that indoor lounge chair is nice… but it looks like this room would echo. And I don’t want to feel like I’m in a cave, while I'm inside.

Similarly, this dining area is lackluster. I like the oblong shape, the view of the parallel table outside… and that’s it.

Also, why was the table placed in a semi-hallway of the home? The not-packed layout didn’t allow for any other area? Hm…

Despite my feelings on the living room, the midcentury modern looks amazing in the kitchen. From the custom Poggenpohl cabinetry that’s been lined with a straight-edge backsplash, to the pops of saturated wood along the windowsill, this is equipped for stylish cooking only.

fortunately, this is the only photograph we have of any bedroom on the entire property. From what I can make out, it seems to be spacious -with room for a bed, couch, and dresser. At the same time, though, it looks like the basic unit you’d find in a retirement home. I hope it doesn’t come with that same smell -but if it does, the attached bathroom has a fan to help with air circulation. 

Inside the bathroom you’ll notice it looks… like an updated restroom you’d find in an office building or a contemporary restaurant -which isn’t a bad thing! The frosted glass walls with painted cherry blossoms are a beautiful addition alongside the simple architecture of the space. But that walk-in closet… wow, how boring.

What else does this house have to offer? Well, nothing else in this building. There’s plenty of more ‘livable space’ if we venture outside…

And while we’re looking for more indoor rooms, let’s take a look at the patio, bridge, and water feature right.

Separated from the main house is a home-office space that, currently, looks like a therapist works here. Or maybe it’s for an elite CEO? Or is it an undercover recording studio?

Regardless of its purpose, as it isn’t held back from the main house, this space gets even better views of the gorgeous backyard:

You thought there wasn’t more to this place? Think again: There’s an entire 1-bed, 1-bath guest house with room to spare!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve really built up an appetite from the delectable decorating of this property. Luckily, there’s a private fruit orchard here:

Y’know, I knew this place was going to be fancy from it’s nickname (“glass tent”), but I didn’t expect it to have it’s own agriculture. This is a whole ‘nother tax bracket. Dang…

Even from above the fluid shapes of this property are stunning. All I wish is that the home doesn’t bake from the inside, as the sun sets, and beams through that glass wall.

Sarah @Hometastrophes