An architectural marvel that is perched atop a California promontory at the heart of a 40-acre avocado farm has been brought to the market for the first time—with an asking price of $2.99 million.
The 4,133-square-foot residence in Valley Center, CA, was the brainchild of prominent San Diego architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, who is best known for his work on The Doolittle House in Joshua Tree, CA.
Kellogg was inspired to venture into architecture after a meeting with famed designer Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955, an interaction that helped to shape Kellogg’s designs.
Surrounded by lush land and dozens of avocado trees, the dwelling at the center of the Valley Center property is described as being a “masterful” example of Kellogg’s work, which is credited with pioneering organic architecture.
The dwelling certainly blurs the lines between man-made structure and nature, with sweeping lines and curved walls that make it look almost as if it is moving with the wind.
“The hand-crafted organic architecture and landscape melds together, offering an array of intimate spaces scaled for everyday living,” the listing description notes.
Combine that architectural prowess with the addition of the avocado farm and the home’s spectacular views, and listing agent Keith York of Agents of Architecture Inc. says the property is truly one of the most unique on the market.
“The sculptural quality of the home stands out along with the fact that it has 40 acres with an active avocado-producing ranch,” York said. “It sits at the top of a bluff, so you can see Palomar Mountain with its 1950s observatory on top to the east, along with a series of canyons and valleys.”
Custom designed by Kellogg for the sellers, who are also the original owners, an eye-popping interior boasts curved walls, stone floors and walls, exposed beams, and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass to capture the stunning outdoor scenery.
That symbiosis with the surrounding land has always been the beating heart of the abode—with York revealing that the owners purchased the parcel long before they commissioned Kellogg to build them a home there.
Yet even without a residence on the property, they still found a way to soak up the glorious views and peaceful setting.
“It’s very quiet here and quite an incredible space,” York added. “The family bought the property in the early ’70s and hired Ken in 1982. They worked on and lived in a camper on-site while the home was being constructed. Because of who Ken was, the project kept getting ramped up, and growing and expanding over time.”
Shortly after purchasing the property, the sellers planted more than 900 avocado trees.
“Not only do you have these amazing views of the property, but you also have an expansive view of other avocado ranches nearby,” he said.
The five-bedroom, wood-and-glass residence, which took six years to finally complete, features custom millwork, two fireplaces, and rock walls made from materials that were sourced from the property.
A jaw-dropping circular open kitchen with custom curved wood cabinetry overlooks the living room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and walls of windows. It was featured earlier this year in Architectural Digest.
“I have sold other Ken Kellogg homes and there is a certain vibe and style that goes with owning one of these homes,” York said. “When you stand at the kitchen sink, you feel like you are at the command center of ‘Star Trek’ Enterprise. To be in this house when it rains is epic. It’s like being in the clouds.”
While the house is connected with the outdoor scenery, York acknowledges that “the amount of glass is not for the timid. You can see for miles and miles and when you walk inside, you feel like you are part of the view.”
York said he believes the home will likely be used as a secondary residence for the next buyer who is familiar with Kellogg’s work.
“It’s not for a novice,” he said. “Sometimes birds fly into the window panes. It lives very well for someone who is looking for something different from traditional residential life. To experience the home, when you lift your jaw up, it’s a fun and special place to spend time.”