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A Cool California Contemporary with Some Unique Details, Hidden in the Woods

By Rich and Karen November 29, 2021 Leave a Comment

Low-slung ranch homes like these were very popular throughout the Midwest in the middle of the 20th Century. The basic form of this one is “California Contemporary”, which probably puts it in the larger category of Mid-Century Modern.  But this one has a couple of very unique details, beginning with the Japanese-inspired wood joinery at the entrance. Not something you see every day in central Ohio!

Mid Century Modern cool California Contemporary Ranch

Look carefully at the front of the ridge in the photo below – is that some sort of Goblin’s head?

unique entry cool california contemporary home

These wood joinery details are crazy fun! Some craftsperson put a lot of effort and skill into this.

japanese wood joinery contemporary home

There are bits and pieces of different stylistic influences on the inside and outside – not just Japanese but Arts and Crafts and Prairie Style.

cool california contemporary home

Hard to beat this setting, up on a hillside and hidden under a canopy of trees.

steel pipe handrail contemporary deck

The posts and railings separating the foyer from the living room is a simplified version of a popular Arts and Crafts detail – separating the rooms but not blocking the views out the back windows.

I’m guessing the owners travelled in the far east – lots of Asian-inspired decor in this room.

board and batten siding contemporary home

I’m all in on these waterfalls and ponds, and am not surprised to see a Japanese Maple tree there, too. The water puts the “cool” in “cool California Contemporary”.

japanese ponds waterfalls contemporary home

Might be my favorite view of the house – approaching a garage is often an uninspiring event, but not here.

stone retaining wall underground garage contemporary home

I can only imagine where this stone stairway leads!

stone steps contemporary home

This very unusual Cool California Contemporary home was for sale recently – check out the listing here: https://apps.realtor.com/mUAZ/ab50db2a

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