ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

R.M. Schindler's Copper-Roofed Van Dekker House in Woodland Hills Lists for $4.5 Million

architecture-design · 2026-04-20

A modernist masterpiece in Los Angeles, originally crafted by architect Rudolph M. Schindler, has returned to the market with an asking price of $4.5 million. Constructed in the late 1930s for actor Albert Van Dekker, this 3,800-square-foot home boasts a distinctive copper-clad gable roof and striking geometric designs. In the mid-1950s, Van Dekker sold the property to novelist Albert Isaac 'Buzz' Bezzerides, who entertained numerous celebrities there. Preservationist Josh Gorrell acquired it in 2009 for $580,000, and Frank Gamwell purchased it in 2013 for $700,000, subsequently restoring it and achieving Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument status. The residence features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a saltwater pool. The property is listed by Benjamin Kahle and Desiree Zuckerman.

Key facts

  • The Van Dekker House in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, is listed for $4.5 million.
  • Designed by architect Rudolph M. Schindler in the late 1930s for actor Albert Van Dekker.
  • Features include a copper-clad gable roof, 3,800 square feet, and bold geometric shapes.
  • Later owned by novelist Albert Isaac 'Buzz' Bezzerides from the mid-1950s until his death in 2007.
  • Restored by preservationist Josh Gorrell and developer Frank Gamwell after 2009.
  • Awarded Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument designation and a preservation award.
  • Includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, built-in furnishings, and outdoor amenities like a pool and spa.
  • Listed by Benjamin Kahle of Compass and Desiree Zuckerman of Coldwell Banker Realty, with Mills Act tax benefits.

Entities

Artists

  • Rudolph M. Schindler
  • Albert Van Dekker
  • Albert Isaac 'Buzz' Bezzerides
  • Humphrey Bogart
  • Robert Mitchum
  • William Faulkner
  • Frank Lloyd Wright
  • Peter Bezzerides
  • Josh Gorrell
  • Frank Gamwell
  • Benjamin Kahle
  • Desiree Zuckerman
  • Gavin Cater
  • Wendy Bowman

Institutions

  • Compass
  • Coldwell Banker Realty
  • Robb Report
  • Modern Luxury
  • Broadway
  • Tony Award
  • California State Assembly
  • Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument
  • Mills Act

Locations

  • Los Angeles
  • United States
  • Woodland Hills
  • San Fernando Valley
  • California
  • New York
  • Honolulu
  • Nuʻuanu Valley
  • Hawaii
  • Park City
  • Utah
  • Santa Ynez
  • Aspen
  • Colorado
  • Paris
  • Île-de-France
  • France
  • New York City
  • Charleston

Sources