Before “going green” was on-the-rise in home design, “The Simpsons” late co-creator Sam Simon was ahead of the curve. When a fire destroyed his Pacific Palisades home in 2007, the creative television writer rebuilt from scratch, creating a LEED Gold-certified home.
Simon, who purchased the original home in 2004, also acquired adjacent Bailey House (a steel-framed modernist house known as Case Study House #20). The Eames House (Case Study House #8), Entenza House, and West House are also nearby. After the fire, he replaced the damaged structure with a modernist masterpiece that would complement the Bailey House and fit in with the architectural prestige of the neighborhood. The result was complete in 2010: An eco-friendly showpiece of glass, light, and clean lines.
The 5,677-square-foot main house features five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Sculptural archways and natural materials contribute to the home’s cool, midcentury-esque design. Inside, there’s a library, media room, wine cellar, and generous spaces for entertaining, as Simon often hosted high-profile philanthropic events at home. Walls of glass open to the outdoors, where there are gardens, an infinity-edge pool with a waterfall, spa, bocce court, and plenty of entertaining areas.
After Simon’s 2015 passing, the estate was sold to Australian fashion entrepreneur Lorna Jane Clarkson, who owned the property until 2021. John Wise (former CEO of fintech company InvestCloud) is the current owner, and is hoping to reel in $16.5 million for it. Bailey House next door is also on the market as a separate listing.
For those looking to own a piece of design—and cultural—history in L.A., Frank Langen of Compass represents the listing.