THE NOWLING RESIDENCE | An Architectural Legacy

Perched atop a private, gated 0.99-acre hilltop, The Nowling Residence is a rare example of Southern California Mid-Century Modern design. It was created in 1962 by architect James E. De Long, who trained under Frank Lloyd Wright at the Taliesin Fellowship, and it carries Wright’s organic philosophy: architecture, nature and light in harmony.

2822 sqft of living space opens to the outdoors through floor-to-ceiling glass, framing panoramic views of the golf course, city lights, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Evenings bring sweeping sunsets, followed by Disneyland fireworks.

Featured in the January 15, 1967 Los Angeles Times Home Magazine, the home retains its original craftsmanship: vertical-grain heart redwood walls; Philippine mahogany doors, trim and cabinetry; and sandblasted Plexiglas light panels that cast a warm glow. Clean horizontal lines, custom built-ins, clever storage and an open floor plan complete the architect’s vision.

Thoughtfully updated without compromising its integrity, the kitchen features quartz countertops, premium appliances and a built-in banquette. Twenty-one fully owned solar panels add efficiency.

Outdoors, a pool, mature landscaping, expansive terraces and several gathering areas create a private retreat. A gated circular driveway offers ample parking, including RV space. De Long’s archives are preserved at UC Santa Barbara.

A rare opportunity for collectors and admirers of significant architecture: a home to live in, and a legacy to preserve.