
Los Angeles, California 90039
This Architectural Legacy Residence represents a High-Potential Investment Opportunity, listed at $1,349,999—positioned well below the $1,397,028 Fair Market Value by 3%. This valuation gap offers $47,029 in Instant Equity. Featuring a Condition Rating of 3, the home offers a move-in ready, handcrafted mid-century aesthetic with sweeping canyon views and expansive grounds. This rare property is an ideal acquisition for Buy-and-Hold Investors or Owner-Occupants seeking a unique, historically significant sanctuary in Elysian Heights.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 1964 Landa Street Subject | $1,349,999* List Price | 3 | 2 | 1,208 | $1,156 | - |
A 2315 Cove Avenue Sold | $1,600,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,636 | $978 | 0.5 mi |
B 2601 Adelbert Avenue Sold | $1,327,000 | 3 | 1 | 1,232 | $1,077 | 0.7 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is move-in ready.
While built in 1948, the property shows evidence of a high-quality, character-preserving renovation within the last 5-15 years. The kitchen is updated with modern appliances (LG laundry, stainless hood) and functional finishes. The home is well-maintained and move-in ready.
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 12399, living area = 1208.
The R.A. Johnson Residence is a rare, handcrafted mid-century masterpiece featuring original woodwork, exposed beams, and 'folk-art soul,' offering exceptional historical authenticity and character.
Spanning two parcels totaling over 26,000 square feet, the property includes a private amphitheater, custom studio, and multiple detached structures, providing unparalleled space for creative pursuits and privacy.
Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =12399, other record lot size in square feet = 12348.
With approximately 1,200 square feet of living space for a three-bedroom layout, the interior may feel restrictive for buyers accustomed to more modern, spacious floor plans.
The extensive hillside terraces, intricate stonework, and mature landscaping require significant ongoing maintenance and specialized care to preserve the property's structural and aesthetic integrity.
R.A. Johnson Residence, Elysian Heights. Privately sited in the dramatic canyon landscape of Elysian Heights' Fellowship Heights, this singular handcrafted home was built in 1948 by civil engineer Robert A. Johnson as a passionate labor of love. Spanning two secluded parcels totaling over 26,000 square feet, the property has been held by only a handful of owners, including an artist, composer, filmmaker, and photographer, preserving its exceptional authenticity and character. The 1,257-square-foot residence masterfully fuses rustic warmth with mid-century grace through meticulous craftsmanship. Rich original woodwork, exposed beams, a cozy fireplace, intricate inlaid cabinetry, and custom built-ins infuse the interiors with folk-art soul. Expansive windows flood the spaces with natural light and frame sweeping canyon views and mature trees, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. Thoughtfully arranged across two levels, the home offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, balancing everyday comfort with enduring architectural distinction. The grounds constitute a refined gardener's sanctuary: lush plantings, meandering pathways, layered terraces with custom stonework and ornate tile, and two elegant water features. The adjacent parcel significantly enhances privacy and creative possibilities with a commanding hillside mosaic tile, a dedicated tiled amphitheater suited for performances, rehearsals, and gatherings, a custom studio, and a whimsical hillside treehouse. A contemporary account observed that Johnson and his wife, Helena, "spent a lot of time and effort improving their hillside home, hauling about one million pounds of material that could cover a football field to build artistic stone-covered, steel-reinforced concrete terraces needed to prevent erosion and house the many trees and other plants on the property, perhaps the largest and sturdiest piece of art done by one couple." Two additional detached structures offer versatile space for artist studios, home offices, guest quarters, or creative workspaces. Steps from Echo Park and Silver Lake's vibrant scene, including Canyon Coffee, Cookbook, Bacetti Trattoria, and Quarter Sheets, this legacy property offers profound seclusion while providing effortless access to Northeast Los Angeles. Historically resonant, with the neighboring land recognized as the birthplace of the Sierra Club, the R.A. Johnson Residence stands as a rare convergence of architecture, craftsmanship, landscape artistry, and creative spirit, an exceptional opportunity to steward a deeply personal piece of Los Angeles history.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home |
|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Baths | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Square foot | 1,208 | 1,672 |
| Lot Size | 12,399 | 6,067 |
| Price | $1.35M | $1.37M |
| Price per sq ft | $1.1K | $801 |
| Built year | 1948 | 1939 |
| HOA | $0 | $348 |
| Days on market | 14 | 56 |
Jul 8, 2026
$1,349,999
Initial Listing
Aug 17, 2018
$995,000
Public Record
Jul 2, 2009
$560,000
Public Record