Artist John Baldessari’s Craftsman-Style Home in Santa Monica Asks $3.9M

Renowned conceptual artist John Baldessari, who passed away this January, lived and worked all along the California coast, but ended his career teaching and creating in Santa Monica and Venice, California, where he owned two homes. The first—aptly named #1—is a two-story Craftsman-style house in Santa Monica that Baldessari asked architects Ron Godfredsen and Danna Sigal to expand and modernize after residing there for 10 years, seeking more light and inspiring spaces.

New white lap siding and an olive green trim reflect the heritage of the 2,798-square-foot residence, which has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Inside, an open floor plan accented by wood-framed windows and doors makes for sunny, spacious communal spaces, not least of all is the living room anchored by a large, contemporary fireplace.

A rear addition influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright holds an eat-in kitchen and study. Sleek wood cabinets and a blocky, geometric island are set off by bold blue tiles in the kitchen, while the upstairs library offers a calming retreat wrapped in wood. Here, built-in shelves wrap three walls with a picture window offering bench seating; clerestory windows let in light and views of the treetops.