Sheats-Goldstein House

Overlooking the dazzling cityscape of Los Angeles is the Sheats-Goldstein Residence. It’s a house that seems to grow out of the very hillside it stands on, a testament to the genius of its architect, John Lautner. The Sheats-Goldstein House isn’t just a house, it’s an experience. It’s a place where architecture blends seamlessly with nature, where concrete, steel, and wood intertwine with the surrounding landscape. Built between 1961 and 1963 for Helen and Paul Sheats, the Sheats-Goldstein House was designed from the inside out. Lautner’s vision was to create a cave-like dwelling that opened up to embrace the breathtaking views. He succeeded spectacularly. The house features an open-plan living room that extends onto a terrace, separated only by a curtain of air. This blurring of lines between indoor and outdoor space is a hallmark of Lautner’s organic architecture. Imagine sitting in that living room, bathed in the light filtering through 750 glass skylights embedded in the coffered ceiling. The original design included five bedrooms, each accessible via covered outdoor pathways. The master bedroom, located beneath the pool, boasts windows looking into the water, a unique feature that allowed Helen Sheats to keep an eye on her children while working in her studio. In 1972, businessman James Goldstein purchased the house. He embarked on a two-decade collaboration with Lautner to refine and expand the original design. Together, they perfected the Sheats-Goldstein House, transforming it into the icon it is today. Goldstein’s passion for the house is evident in every detail, from the custom furniture to the lush tropical gardens designed by Eric Nagelmann. The remodel included a state-of-the-art kitchen, complete with induction burners and stainless steel cabinets. The house is also home to “Above Horizon,” a skyspace designed by light artist James Turrell. This unique installation, featuring retractable portals and thousands of LEDs, creates a mesmerizing light show against the backdrop of the Los Angeles sky. The Sheats-Goldstein House has become a cultural landmark, featured in films like “The Big Lebowski” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” and music videos like Doja Cat’s “Say So”. Goldstein’s promised gift of the house to LACMA ensures that this architectural masterpiece will continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come. The Sheats-Goldstein House is more than just a celebrity backdrop. It’s a living testament to the power of architectural vision.