Remarkable at Every Turn

Every so often we bump into a mid-century modern-styled architectural treasure on the market that deserves a roaring shout-out on the bullhorn.

Such is the case with the Lewis and Violet Weinberg residence, a study in beautifully crafted detail and collaborative design work, designed by Taliesin-trained architect Sim Bruce Richards.

It's indeed a beauty.

Located in Ramona, a quiet, rural community in the San Diego Country Estates, the property at 23427 Calistoga Place, represented by listing agent Keith York with the Agents of Architecture, is now on the market for $1,950,000.

York eloquently describes the home as "a symphony of rough-sawn cedar, glass, walnut, and oak set upon native trees and an ancient field of granite boulders."

"Like the work of any Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, there are a series of open-jaw moments," he explains. "You walk down the driveway, through a fantastic gate, and then you go into a lushly landscaped, shaded area with a koi pond, giving you a very different feeling than you had at the street.

"Then, when you open the front door, you enter a room with [artist-sculptor] Jim Hubbell light fixtures and stained-glass works…it's kind of a series of 'wow-wow-wow' moments. Getting to go to the house to show it is my joy."

Considered one of Richards' most masterful designs, the 3,287-square-foot Weinberg home was built between 1978-'80, and showcases the architect's talent for collaborating with handpicked artisans. Known as 'Bruce's Troops,' Richards' specialized, site-specific team was known to create magnificent, custom works of art for his clients.

York explains that although in photos the four-bedroom Weinberg residence may give the illusion of "a fairly typical Richards' house…there are remarkable details, and art at every turn."

Visual artist, architect, sculptor, and stained-glass master James Hubbell, who brought his immense talents to The Sea Ranch Chapel in Sonoma, made major contributions with his exquisite front door, lighting, metalwork, banisters, gates, handcrafted walnut cabinetry, and leaded glass designs throughout the house.