Book Reviewed: Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea, by Julius Shulman

Book Reviewed: Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea, by Julius Shulman

Malibu and the oceanfront homes; a pictorial history

Malibu has been the place for rich and famous with its oceanfront homes and picturesque views. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) that cuts through the city sits right next to the ocean but beneath the Santa Monica Mountains giving auto drivers the best view of Pacific Ocean. Ever since the city was founded in 1920s, Rancho Malibu attracted the Hollywood elite who came here for peace and tranquility. This also attracted well known architects and interior decorators to design and decorate the residences that gave a depth to the seaside living. Of course the wealthy residents could afford the cost to build the best houses; thus came the magnificent mansions in Malibu

In this book the author provides a pictorial history of Malibu. There are many pictures of homes of movie stars of 1920s/30s/40s who made Malibu as their home. There is also some discussion of the work of architects in designing these houses. Historically significant houses like the Adamson house is also shown in this book with several views of the ocean, and also the interior of the house. This house still sits at its original spot across from Malibu Colony, a thriving shopping center and the house is open for visitors. The chief architect of Adamson’s house was Stiles O Clement.

Some of the historical pictures that interested me are the following: a 1890 picture of Paradise Cove; 1929 picture of the opening of picturesque Pacific Coast Highway (then called Roosevelt Highway); a 1893 picture of Rindge family home; 1939 picture of Malibu Colony with its own private beach; and 1924 picture of actress Louise Fazenda’s house.

The highly unconventional Stevens house of Malibu was designed by the architect John Lautner; one of the twentieth century’s most extraordinarily gifted and experimental designers. His work is shown in several pictures of the house still located in Malibu Colony. Moore House, “Windcliff” on the top of Saddle Peak (elevation 2,800 feet); another beautiful house was designed by architect James Moore. This house has stunning views of the ocean. The Hodges Castle is a 15,200 sq. foot castle built by architect Thomas Hodges. This structure is known for crenellated skyline, astonishing mass and perfect sitting on the landscape overlooking Malibu Lagoon State Park. This is the private home of a real princess and the castle was renamed as Kashan Castle. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Malibu, California; seafront homes; architecture and interior designing. This also makes a great book for your tea table.