Final Work of Innovative Architect Ray Kappe Is Listed in Venice, CA, for $4.2M

For the architectural history buff in the market for a sprawling home in Venice, CA, we’ve spotted a prime option.

The three-bedroom, 2,482-square-foot home is in one of city’s the most sought-after neighborhoods and is listed for $4.2 million. Designed by renowned architect Ray Kappe as his final work, it’s a testament to his vision and talent.

The current owner commissioned Kappe to design the home and says working with him was amazing.

“When he came to look at the property, he was impressed with the concept of the tree fern garden and how to incorporate the house within that context,” recalls the seller, who prefers to remain anonymous. “Ray was also interested in designing a home that went beyond the normal postage-stamp-sized lot home, by continuing his signature style of getting lost in a space—where everywhere you looked, an important architectural design element captures your attention. The detail in the house is immense—and grand.”

An American legend

Kappe, who died in 2019, is hailed as one of the great innovators and educators in modern architecture. He devoted his career to designing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings that pushed the boundaries of modular design and spatial fluidity—and that brought the outdoors inside.

Kappe was born and raised in Minnesota. As a young child, he spent lots of time in the state’s parks and lakes and traveled with his family on camping trips to national parks, which cemented his appreciation for the great outdoors.

His family moved to L.A. when he was 13, and the school he attended—Emerson Junior High—was designed by none other than iconic modernist Richard Neutra.

Kappe attended UC Berkeley to study architecture and graduated with honors, quickly embarking on a prolific career in which many of his creations were splashed across glossy design and architectural magazines.

While Kappe tackled single-family and multifamily homes, educational, public, industrial, and commercial buildings, he’s best remembered for his thoughtfully crafted residences.

A Beautiful Venice retreat

This showpiece property is anchored by a large living room with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, which flood the home with light. A dine-in kitchen features Douglas fir cabinetry, Wolf ovens and cooktops, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a 77-bottle wine fridge.

Kappe’s personal touch can be seen everywhere in the one-of-a-kind abode.

“The interior wood finishes are like nothing else in today’s modern homes,” the seller says. “It really is a special home.”

Indeed, there’s custom millwork throughout, and the ceiling finishes are all solid, vertical-grain Douglas fir.

A primary suite boasts a large private balcony, walk-in closet, 14-foot-high ceilings, and a luxurious en suite bathroom with a soaking tub and step-in shower. There are two additional bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom between them.

The lushly landscaped yard serves as an outdoor living room, with a fire pit and party-ready ambiance. The back deck is prewired for a hot tub. From there, you can see the Canary Island date palm tree, Australian tree ferns, and Tristania trees, as well as Mexican weeping and giant timber bamboos.

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