Modernist Susman House Debuts on Ventura Coast for $5.1 Million
A custom modernist retreat in Ventura, California, has reached the market for the first time since its completion four decades ago. Realtor.com reports that the seaside property, known as The Susman House, is listed for $5.1 million, offering a rare look at a preserved residential design by architect Carl Maston.
Context from Industry Pulse
The listing of The Susman House highlights the enduring value of mid-century and late-modernist residential architecture in the Southern California market. Designed by Carl Maston, the property represents a specific era of coastal development where architect-driven commissions utilized raw materials like brick and cedar to blend with the landscape. Located in a quiet cove near Ventura, the home serves as a case study for the luxury second-home market, where 60 to 70 percent of owners are non-permanent residents. Its debut after 40 years of single ownership suggests a premium on original preservation in a region often dominated by rapid redevelopment and modern renovations.
Located at Faria Beach, the 2,640-square-foot residence was commissioned by former actress Tracy Susman, who acquired the land in 1981. According to Realtor.com, the three-bedroom home has been maintained in its original 1984 condition, featuring the clean lines and open floor plan characteristic of Maston’s modernist style. The architect is also recognized for designing the private residence of actress Dakota Johnson.
The interior architecture emphasizes natural textures through the use of cedar-clad walls, exposed wood beams, and custom brick flooring. As Realtor.com notes, the layout includes a double-sided fireplace in the main living area along with vaulted ceilings and built-in window seating. The kitchen retains its original wood-slat ceiling and custom cabinetry while incorporating modern appliances and oversized windows that frame the Pacific Ocean.
Outdoor integration is a primary feature of the design, facilitated by retractable glass walls that connect the dining area to a 42-foot ocean-facing deck. The upper level contains a primary suite equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass, a private deck, and a soaking tub. Realtor.com indicates the home also includes two additional sleeping areas, including a secondary suite with a fireplace and a guest space utilizing a privacy divider.
Positioned on Mondo’s Cove roughly an hour from Los Angeles, the property provides access to private beach entries and community amenities like tennis courts. The local real estate market in this specific cove consists largely of secondary residences, with full-time owners making up roughly 30 to 40 percent of the population. The site offers views of the Channel Islands and proximity to multiple surf breaks.
The Industry Pulse Bottom Line
The Susman House represents a rare opportunity for collectors of modernist architecture, combining a preserved 1980s aesthetic with a high-demand coastal location that favors long-term asset appreciation and seasonal occupancy.