William Mellenthin, Builder, 1951. If a question was asked on how to define what an idealized postwar Southern California landscape looks like, William Mellenthin's ubiquitous ranch houses in the San Fernando Valley provides the answer. In what was ostensibly a blank slate for him, Mellenthin capitalized on vast tracks of land where he could build his ranch houses. In total, Mellenthin is credited in building more than 3,000 homes with clearly discernable characteristics of his work. As Alan Hess writes in Chris Lukather's monograph, A Birdhouse in Paradise: William Mellenthin and the San Fernando Valley Ranch Homes, Mellenthin kept pace with the popular influence of the ranch house which were defined by unpretentious, utilitarian designs that supported the auto-centric and consumer cultures. The most noticeable characteristic of Mellenthin's designs include whimsical dovecotes, or birdhouses, placed along the ridge beam or gable which portray a sense of fun and optimism of an ever-changing world. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Pool, Spa
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