For your consideration....

[Roderick Grant]

The Robb Report lists the 25 most expensive residences on Earth, ranging in price from $100M to $500M, from 6,200 sf to 100,000 sf, on lots as small as 1/3 acre up to 420,000 acres. Of all of them, the only worthy work of architecture is the Mortimer Fleishhacker House by Greene & Greene in Woodside, CA, a little-published house that has remained in the family since it was built in 1911. The price is $130M, for those of you who are interested and have some disposable income lying around. But if you want the prize-winner, you will have to shell out $500M for the 100,000 sf house that all but swallows up the Bel Air lot its on, with a 5,500 sf master suite, total of 20 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, 5 swimming pools, a night club and bowling alley.

[DavidC]

Green Gables - Fleishhacker House, Woodside California

THE FLEISHHACKER COMMISSIONS

Green Gables - The Estate - Woodside, California, 94062 United States


David

[Roderick Grant]

Although this is a grand house, it is also the least 'Greene & Greene-ish' design of their career.
The article states that Charles did some work on Fleishhacker's town house on Pacific Avenue; that has never been published to my knowledge. Might be interesting. The house itself is of its period.

[Duncan]

I have been in Green Gables many times. True it is not what you expect from a Greene and Greene, except for the card room. Once you get that expectation out of your head, it's clearly the work of a master architect...the quality of space, the flow, the quality of light are all marvelous. Detailing is impeccable. Quiet, dignified, restful.

[SDR]

Thanks for that. Compare to today's mansions . . . Or better yet---don't !

S

[toddlevin]

Well, that *DOES* it! I'm immediately adding a night club AND a bowling alley addition to my FLLW usonian house (in an appropriately sensitive manner, of course, following the hexagonal motif of the design).

[SDR]

Of course ! If Lautner's client Goldstein could have a night club added to the Sheats mansion, you could surely turn the screened carport at Richardson into a gourmet water or toast bar . . . just to keep up with the times !

S

[Roderick Grant]

One can only wonder what would have happened to the vast C. Thaxter Shaw House, with its 120' library/living/dining trinity, had its residential use become outmoded. Certainly a cabaret at the very least. Or end-to-end bowling allies.