A Pacific Palisades gem by Ray Kappe lists for the first time ever

For the first time ever, Raymond Kappe’s Pacific Palisades masterpiece Keeler House has come to market with an asking price of $12m.

Kappe designed the Californian post-and-beam in 1990 for musician Ann Keeler, who requested a family home that could also host visiting musicians. Its design is partly inspired by Kappe’s own Pacific Palisades home, with Keeler House cantilevering dramatically over its hillside setting to capture coastline views from its balconies and terraces, like a grown-up treehouse.

The four-bedroom house is constructed with concrete, glass, redwood, teak, and Douglas fir and spans 4,142 sq ft. Split-level living spaces are connected by cabled staircases and tumble down the plot, with each space offering a unique vista.

Wood accent walls and built-in cabinetry and shelving heighten the tropical tree house vibe, though the interiors are far from rustic. Instead, organic materials juxtapose concrete planes and glass brick floors, and skylights accentuate the sense of light and volume.

The primary suite encompasses the material palette entirely, with glass and concrete walls, wood ceilings and floors, and a striking stainless steel fireplace.

Kappe is known as the father of the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), which he founded in 1972, and was one of the most influential Californian architects of his generation. He designed many award-winning homes across Southern California and passed away in 2019 aged 92.

Crosby Doe Associates has the listing.