Los Angeles has always embraced a certain level of excess. Yet, some properties take luxury to an entirely different level, entering the realm of the bizarre.
From mansions linked to infamous murder stories to a house that resembles a flying saucer balanced on a single pillar, these architectural anomalies offer more than just visual appeal.
Even longtime Angelenos can’t help but stop and stare at these peculiar homes, each hiding intriguing tales within their walls.
John Sowden House
Situated in the stylish Eastside Los Feliz area, the John Sowden House is a remarkable Mayan revival fortress worth viewing.
Designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, this structure, built in 1926, is often dubbed “Jaw’s House” due to its sharp concrete façade resembling an open mouth seemingly ready to bite.
However, the history of this house is shrouded in darkness. It was once owned by Dr. George Hodel, who was a prime suspect in the notorious Black Dahlia murders. Although the authorities could never confirm his involvement, his own son, a homicide detective, later suggested that his father had committed the grisly murder of Elizabeth Short within this iconic home.
Inside, the atmosphere grows even more mysterious. A narrow, cavernous entryway opens up to a concealed courtyard. The property sold for about $6.16 million in 2022.
The Spadena House
Commonly referred to as the Witch’s House, this building seems to jump straight out of a fairy tale and looks quite out of place in Beverly Hills.
With its slanted roof, small windows, and a moat filled with lily pads, it gives an impression of being an ancient relic from the 1600s. However, it was originally constructed for a movie studio in 1921 and relocated to North Walden Drive in 1934. Despite its unusual appearance, this private residence has been carefully preserved over the years.
In the 1990s, its existence was jeopardized by plans for demolition, but preservationists stepped in to save it. Today, it stands as one of the most photographed homes in Los Angeles, drawing crowds during Halloween.
Chemosphere
Resting on a single 29-foot tall, 5-foot wide concrete pillar on a steep slope in the Hollywood Hills, this octagonal home looks like it’s come straight from outer space.
Designed by John Lautner in 1960, Chemosphere was constructed on a nearly impossible gradient, leading Lautner to elevate it on a pedestal.
Since its completion, it has become an iconic example of modernist architecture in L.A., even inspiring the famous home seen in Charlie’s Angels.
Yet, its history carries a heavier weight. Dr. Richard F. Kuhn lived there in the 1970s, but tragically, he was murdered in his bedroom in 1976 by his lover and an accomplice.
Mosaic Tile House
Located in Venice, this house is anything but ordinary.
From the outside, it appears to be an average Venetian bungalow, but crossing the threshold offers quite a visual shock.
Mosaic Tile House is adorned from top to bottom with a vibrant mix of crushed tile, glass, and ceramics, with seemingly every surface transformed into a kaleidoscopic display by artists Cheri Pan and Gonzalo Duran over the years.
Ivar Castle
Should you catch sight of a tower peeking through the trees in Hollywood, it’s likely Ivar Castle.
Constructed in the 1920s, this expansive castle features a rooftop Jacuzzi and stone ramparts, resembling more of a European fortress than something just a mile away from Hollywood Boulevard.
Over time, its shadowy, gothic allure has drawn in various actors and creative types, including Prince and Idris Elba. Currently, this medieval-style castle is available for rent on Airbnb, listing at just over $2,000 a night.
