An American Classic: Harry Gesner’s Erenhault House In Beverly Hills – 1970

An American Classic: Harry Gesner’s Erenhault House In Beverly Hills – 1970

By Kimberly Ridley

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Harry Gesner was an acclaimed American architect known for his imaginative designs that blended modernism with a deep respect for nature. Born in 1925, Gesner followed an unconventional path into architecture. After serving in the US Army during World War II, he went on to become a television cartoonist, an archaeologist, and a waterskiing instructor before studying architecture at Yale University under Frank Lloyd Wright. He soon tired of school and advanced in the field without a degree. He drew inspiration from surfing culture, organic forms, and the California coastline. He is perhaps best known for the iconic Wave House in Malibu, which appears to crest like an ocean wave, embodying his philosophy of harmonizing structures with their surroundings.

Gesner’s work often featured dramatic angles, natural materials, and integration with the landscape. Over his long career, he designed homes, restaurants, and public buildings, many of which became landmarks. Gesner’s legacy lies in his ability to merge art, environment, and function into a uniquely expressive architectural language that continues to inspire designers today.

The opportunity to own a piece of the legendary architect’s vision presents itself with the listing of the Erenhault House for $28 million. The 6,474-square-foot home is built directly onto natural stone on a spacious elevated lot in Beverly Hills’ Trousdale Estates, offering sweeping canyon, city, and coastline views, extending to Catalina Island. 

Built in 1970, standout features of the home include a sunken living area enclosed by expansive windows and a skylit atrium that acts as a vertical channel for natural light. The layout flows effortlessly, balancing spaces suited for large gatherings with more intimate, private areas. A newly updated Poliform kitchen adds a modern touch while respecting the home’s original architectural intent.

Each of the home’s six bedrooms includes its own en-suite bath and is positioned to capture scenic views. The primary suite, defined by floor-to-ceiling glass, gives the impression of floating above the surrounding landscape. Outside, find a gorgeous sunken pool and several terraces thoughtfully arranged to highlight the fantastic vistas. Gesner’s Erenhault House is featured in Houses of the Sundown Sea, a publication showcasing the home’s original plans and concept sketches, reinforcing its status as a notable work for collectors of architecturally significant homes.

Trousdale Estates was developed in the 1950s and ‘60s for the crème de la crème of Beverly Hills society by real estate developer Paul Trousdale, with the slogan “Life Above It All.” Spread out over 400 acres at one of the highest points in Beverly Hills with designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, A. Quincy Jones, and Paul Williams, famous residents, past and current, include Elvis Presley, Katy Perry, Simon Cowell, Jennifer Aniston and Vera Wang. With an $11 million average home price, it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the world. 

Trey Alligood of The Alligood Group at Douglas Elliman holds the listing.

Photo Credit: Nils Timm, Will Myers and Sepo Derm

Source: www.elliman.com