Property Detail

Description

:: The Doumakes House, 1928 :: The Doumakes House holds the honor of being Landmark No. 1, the first designated residential historic landmark, and the first home ever awarded a Mills Act contract in all of Unincorporated Los Angeles County. Painstakingly and reverently restored by its current owner, this home stands in quiet defiance of today's culture of soulless flips. Every decision reflects a devotion to authenticity, craftsmanship, and longevity, an approach now rarely encountered. Originally commissioned by James Doumakes, a Greek immigrant and founder of the iconic Doumak marshmallow company, the home carries with it a rich story of innovation and enterprise. James began manufacturing marshmallows in Los Angeles in 1921 using a cast-mold process; his son, Alex Doumakes, would later revolutionize the industry by inventing and patenting the extrusion process in 1954, still the global standard today. In its present form, The Doumakes House represents an intentional and harmonious marriage of irreplaceable early craftsmanship and thoughtfully integrated modern comforts, all supported by extensively updated systems. Upon entry, the home immediately announces its grandeur. The formal living room is defined by a dramatic barreled vaulted ceiling, an arched original picture window, and an ornate plaster hearth framing a restored, working gas fireplace. An expansive dining room follows, illuminated by original iron sconces and chandelier, and connected through hand-carved doors to a luminous breakfast area lined with arched windows and the remodeled kitchen. Designed by A1000X Better with a mandate to preserve historic integrity while elevating daily living, the kitchen features custom walnut cabinetry with soft-close drawers, butcher block countertops, Tabarka tile backsplash, a Shaw's apron sink, panel-ready appliances, wine refrigerator, and generous storage throughout. Adjacent to the kitchen is a bright den that opens to the deck and yard via historically accurate, tri-folding mahogany doors, creating seamless indoor/outdoor flow ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, a series of hand-carved wooden doors lead to three bedrooms. The primary en-suite offers a walk-in vanity and closet, professionally restored original French windows with laminated glass, and a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring period-correct tile and a shower with head and body jets. Two rear bedrooms, one with its own balcony enjoy sweeping southern views, capturing sunrises, sunsets, aircraft descending into LAX, and spectacular Fourth of July fireworks. A pink-and-black tiled hall bath includes both a soaking tub and a separate shower with head and body jets. Below, a generously sized basement, accessible from the kitchen adds valuable flexible space. Beyond aesthetics, the restoration placed equal emphasis on infrastructure. Additional upgrades include central HVAC, seventeen custom historic-style double-pane Jeld-Wen windows, copper plumbing throughout (including the city connection), a retrofitted foundation, upgraded electrical panel, whole-house water filtration system, restored original floors, chimney liner and cap reconstruction, fireplace structural reinforcement, copper gutters and drainage, two rebuilt balconies, drought tolerant landscaping, new front walkway and courtyard with moorish tiles and working front fountain. The new roof incorporates historic terracotta tiles repurposed from a 17th-century church in France, an extraordinary and poetic detail befitting the home's stature. Located within The View Park Historic District , the largest National Register historic district in California recognized for African American history, The Doumakes House is a contributing home to the district and a rare offering, intended for a discerning buyer who values history, architecture, craftsmanship, and homes with true soul. The property also comes with a Mills Act contract for a healthy property tax incentive.