Property Fact Sheet
The Ajioka House, 1960
Address: 2563 Nichols Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Price: $8,995,000
Specs: 4 Beds | 5 Baths | 4,200 Sq. Ft. | 0.82 AC / 35,682 Sq. Ft. Lot
Built: 1960
Architect: Buff & Hensman
Nichols Canyon, a storied enclave carved into the Hollywood Hills, has long been a sanctuary for those drawn to its natural beauty and discreet allure. Named after John G. Nichols, a prominent early mayor of Los Angeles, the canyon began to see homes rise in the 1920s, evolving into a haven for mid-century modern architecture in the 1950s and 60s. Its winding roads, lush vegetation, and dramatic vistas have inspired artists like David Hockney, whose iconic painting “Nichols Canyon” brought international recognition to the area’s unique, untamed spirit. This serene landscape, just moments from the vibrant pulse of the Sunset Strip, provided the perfect canvas for architects like Buff & Hensman to craft homes that masterfully blurred the lines between indoors and out.
Conrad Buff III and Donald Hensman, leading figures of California mid-century modernism, were celebrated for their post-and-beam constructions, emphasizing exposed wood, expansive glazing, and an organic integration with the landscape. Their designs, including the influential Case Study House #20, are known for their warm, livable modernism. The Ajioka House, originally built in 1960 for Dr. Richard Ajioka, stands as a testament to their enduring vision, a two-story residence thoughtfully composed to celebrate light, material, and a profound connection to nature.
The property, a true architectural compound, unfolds across four detached structures—the main residence, guest quarters, and studio dwellings—all linked by lush garden pathways and evocative sculptural fire features. This intelligent separation fosters both communal living and secluded privacy, allowing each space to breathe within its natural surroundings.
The recent reimagining by Los Angeles-based Commune Design, a studio lauded for its eclectic, warm, and authentic style, has breathed new life into the Ajioka House. Their award-winning renovation meticulously restored the home, undoing decades of alterations and returning windows and skylights to their original locations, all while infusing a layered, material-driven interiority that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Interiors are wrapped in rich, reclaimed oak cladding, a design choice inspired by the tactile warmth found in celebrated spaces. This materiality is beautifully grounded by polished concrete floors and the rhythmic presence of exposed beams, culminating in a dramatic brick fireplace that anchors the main living area.
At the heart of the home, a commanding 24-foot Boffi kitchen island, crafted from stainless steel and walnut, serves as a sculptural centerpiece. This culinary hub opens effortlessly to expansive outdoor living areas, an open-air bar, and a collection of serene spaces designed for gathering and retreat, reinforcing the quintessential California indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
The landscape itself is an integral part of the experience, featuring mature plantings, canyon vistas, and custom Stan Bitters water installations. Bitters, a pioneer of the organic modernist craft movement, is renowned for his large-scale, textured ceramic works that celebrate the raw beauty of clay. His artistic contributions here enhance the property’s profound sense of peace and privacy.
The property’s thoughtful design extends to a luxurious spa and a sparkling pool, both nestled within the meticulously curated grounds, offering private oases for relaxation.
The den, with its refined finishes, offers a cozy yet sophisticated space for quiet contemplation or intimate conversation.
The primary bedroom suite offers a sanctuary of calm, with ample light and a connection to the natural environment.
Photo by Matthew Momberger
Listing courtesy of Weston Littlefield, Alex Howe of Christie’s International Real Estate SoCal
Jesse & David’s Take-Aways
1—Architectural Provenance & Thoughtful Revival: A rare 1960 Buff & Hensman post-and-beam, the Ajioka House has been sensitively and intelligently restored by Commune Design, honoring its mid-century modern heritage while elevating it for contemporary living.
2—Integrated Indoor-Outdoor Living: The compound’s four detached structures, connected by lush gardens and bespoke Stan Bitters installations, exemplify a sophisticated California lifestyle, blurring the boundaries between built form and natural environment.
3—Curated Materiality & Spatial Flow: From reclaimed oak cladding and polished concrete floors to the monumental Boffi kitchen, every material and spatial decision contributes to a warm, authentic, and profoundly livable architectural experience within the coveted Nichols Canyon.
