Rudolph Schindler’s mid-century Roxy Roth Residence is ageing well. The Los Angeles property – on the market for $2.295m – has been gently restored by its current owner, author Susan Orlean, who has preserved its custom cabinetry and sloping, timber slat ceilings.

Schindler built the Roxy Roth Residence in 1946 on a plot at 3624 Buena Park Drive, overlooking Studio City. ‘Schindler really adapted it to the site,’ said Orlean, writer of The Orchid Thief. ‘There’s nothing about it that’s the typical LA “look at me”; it’s a pretty quiet little house. Like living inside of a sculpture.’

Roxy Roth Residence’s living room features clerestory and a huge picture window at one end, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding valley. A brick fireplace remains intact in the living room and the 1,564 sq ft midcentury property – on the market via Ilana Gafni and Crosby Doe of Crosby Doe Associates – and has hardwood floors throughout.

‘Our house in Studio City is small but the outside counts as another room’ said Orlean, and the three-bedroom house’s grounds include a fire-pit and patio area.

To add extra space, the author commissioned Bestor Architecture to turn the car port into her writing studio.

Rudolph Schindler is one of Southern California’s most celebrated Modernist architects, and a chief friend and professional rival of Richard Neutra.

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