Herschel Fisher-Designed Midcentury Modern Offers Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
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So rarely does a home blend with its surroundings so well that it feels native to the land, but that’s the perfect way to describe this gorgeous midcentury modern on more than an acre in Forest Lane Estates. Designed by noted modernist architect Herschel Fisher in 1955 for a doctor and his family, this stellar example of post-war modernism was renovated and expanded in 2000 by AIA award-winning architect Russell Buchanan, adding a master bedroom suite, a pool house, and a three-car garage.
The additions, much like how the home connects with the park-like setting that surrounds it, are seamless. The attention to detail is incredible, making it an easy pick for our High Caliber Home of the Week, presented by Lisa Peters of Caliber Home Loans.
To many, this home, with its beautiful carpentry and huge walls of floor-to-ceiling picture windows, is a dream house. “It is rare to find a midcentury design on such a grand scale,” notes David Griffin, who is listing 11550 Wander Lane for $2.75 million. “This home is around 5,700 square feet, and that doesn’t include the guesthouse/cabana.”
The first thing you notice when you enter 11550 Wander is the beautiful original mahogany wood paneling throughout the house.
Just off the entry is a hallway with ample storage shrouded by bypass doors that offer continuity and a beautiful visual effect.
In the formal living room you’ll find the first of two original brick fireplaces, as well as a beautifully lit paneled ceiling that adds some depth to the backyard views.
The accent lighting in the dining area highlights the beautiful architecture and casework.
Exposed beams give depth to the vaulted ceiling, and skylights offer even more natural light.
The views from the three living areas are phenomenal, bringing the outdoors in with such ease that you can’t help but be connected to them. Full-light doors allow for parties to move in and out with few barriers. “Ceilings are tall in all of the major rooms,” notes Griffin, “and the home is magnificent for entertaining.”
Built-ins, including bookcases, offer storage without added bulk, keeping the flow effortless and open.
The modern, clean sight lines offer unique vignettes and great balance to the rooms.
While we love midcentury modern architecture, there are some design features that don’t easily convey to today’s lifestyle. In the case of this particular home, the renovations have all been done in a way that is sensitive to Fisher’s vision, but acknowledge the way we live today. Take the kitchen, for instance. It’s bright and open to the adjacent family room, and has all the accoutrements that today’s home chef desires, including stainless steel appliances, an eat-in island, tons of storage, and miles of marble countertops and backsplashes. But we love that the scullery was included in the renovation, giving a place for caterers to work their magic for all those dinner parties you’ll be hosting.
“The current owners have done extensive improvements, including renovating the kitchen, refining the interiors, and adding plantings, walkways and patios to the already exceptional natural setting,” Griffin said.
The home has five bedrooms, five full and one half baths, and serene views through the private backyard, especially in the master suite.
So far, feedback on this brand new listing has been overwhelmingly positive, Griffin said. “People love the setting. They love the original feel and the original details. There have only been three owners of this home, and they have all respected and loved it.”
Here’s hoping its new owners keep Herschel Fisher’s legacy alive.
