my glass i saw: The Lovell Beach House

[Brian Moore]

Newport Beach, California. Built in 1926, this house is the work of architect Rudolf Schindler. I took this picture with a Contax IIIa and Fuji Pro 400 film.

I used to ride past this house on my bicycle every weekend and I would always admire the design. At that time I had no idea it was a famous home. Then one day, at work, a friend had a postcard on his desk that showed an image of a house with some similar design motifs. (I believe it was a home designed by Richard Neutra, a contemporary of Schindler and indeed friend.) I said, "That reminds me of a beautiful house in Newport Beach that I pass when I ride my bike." He said yeah,...that's the Lovell Beach House!"

 

[Darren Bradley]

Nice shot! I'm very familiar with this house, as well, and have been meaning to get up there soon to take some photos of it.

 

[Pete Askew]

Very nice Brian, I love the geometry in the composition. And there's almost an optical illusion in it as well. When you look at the L-R power lines they look like they are in front of the building until you see the pole disappearing behind the house. I like the texture i the sky as well - it has a watercolour look about it. Nice.

 

[Brian Moore]

Thanks Darren. I had a strong feeling you'd know this house.

Thanks a lot Pete. Never saw the semi-optical illusion thing. Now I do. Thanks.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Wow! - Is all that space up front for landscaping, or does it have patio space?

 

[Brian Moore]

Not sure, Chris. I think there may be patio space under the front overhang. Again,...not sure.

 

[Darren Bradley]

I thought I left a reply to this but I guess it didn't post for some reason... Anyway, only that front area is a planter, filled with dirt and plants. The second wall, that is raised higher, hides a walled patio garden of sorts. It has an outdoor shower area to wash off from the beach. You see plants there because it has a planter around the top of the wall, but the rest is, indeed, a patio with a table, chairs, lots of potted plants and other beach-related stuff. There is a second walled patio area on the other side of the house, which is full of surfboards and such.

 

[Brian Moore]

Thanks for adding that information, Darren. Here are a few more images of the house that I took that same day. The last one is actually the view south from the the corner of the front wall. (Apologies in advance for the dust, Pete.)