Open Space | The Sale House, Richard Neutra 1960

Commissioned in 1960 by Robert and Elsa Sale, The Sale House sits high above Los Angeles in Brentwood’s Crestwood Hills. Robert and Elsa, an artist, wanted a home that reflected both technical precision and artistic sensibility. Neutra responded with a hillside residence that embraces its dramatic perch, positioning the structure to capture far-reaching views of the Pacific, the canyons, and the city skyline. With its open glass walls, clerestory windows, and seamless connection to outdoor terraces, the house embodies Neutra’s belief that architecture should frame and heighten one’s relationship to nature.

Inside, the plan is open and flowing, with living, dining, and lounge spaces blending together while still feeling intimate. The three bedrooms and two baths follow the same balance of practicality and refinement, making the home a study in livable modernism that still feels fresh decades later.

In recent years, the residence has undergone a careful restoration thanks to its current owner Peter Galliaert, ensuring its longevity while honoring Neutra’s original vision. Many of the defining details, built-in furniture, mosaic work created by Elsa Sale, and even the original pool and diving board, have been preserved. The kitchen and systems were updated in a subtle manner, integrating modern conveniences without overshadowing the mid-century character. Landscape designer Ivette Soler also reimagined the gardens, enhancing privacy while keeping the hillside setting natural and unobtrusive. Today, The Sale House stands as both a time capsule of Neutra’s genius and a renewed living space, showing how thoughtful preservation can breathe new life into an architectural landmark.