John Lautner’s Mid-Century Modernist Masterpiece in the Hollywood Hills | 7316 Caverna Dr.

Perched on a hillside off Mulholland Drive, just north of Runyon Canyon, the Bergren Residence stands as a luminous testament to the genius of John Lautner. Began in 1951 and completed in 1953, this mid-century modern masterpiece is one of Lautner’s most compelling works, embodying his signature fusion of organic materials, radical geometry, and an unrelenting pursuit of spatial freedom.

7316 Caverna Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068

$2,495,000 | 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,582 Sq. Ft. | $1,893Price/Sq.Ft. | Built in 1951

In Between Earth and Heaven, Lautner described the Bergren Residence as “a free floor set in a free space… so that when living there, one feels in the mountains and out of town.” That ethos is palpable in every detail of the home.

Originally built for jazz guitarist Ted Bergren, the home suffered fire damage just a year after its completion—prompting Lautner himself to return, expand, and refine his design. Nestled within one of Lautner’s favored enclaves, the residence shares its rarefied air with the iconic Garcia House and the gravity-defying Chemosphere, reinforcing its status among the highest concentration of Lautner homes anywhere in the world.

The dramatic V-shaped roof and angular massing create a sculptural presence, while walls of glass dissolve the boundary between interior and landscape, framing sweeping jetliner views over Universal City and beyond.

Spanning 1,582 square feet, the home exudes an effortless interplay of redwood, concrete, and glass—hallmarks of Lautner’s organic modernism. A striking brick fireplace anchors the living space.

The striking fireplace is complemented by the meticulously restored redwood-beamed ceiling, painstakingly uncovered layer by layer after years of paint obscured its natural beauty.

A minimalist Poliform kitchen, fitted with Gaggenau appliances, seamlessly integrates modern convenience while honoring the home’s architectural integrity.

Lautner’s later addition transformed the residence into a two-bedroom retreat, with the original sleeping area maintaining an open flow into the living space, while the primary suite, enveloped by lush exterior landscaping, offers seclusion and serenity.

The guest bedroom has walls of glass, clerestory windows, and easy outdoor access to a private outdoor alcove patio.

Both bathrooms combine mid-century aspects with brutalist industrial concrete. Notice, again, Lautner’s brilliant mix of materials highlighted here by the home’s thorough restoration.

And what a restoration it is! Executed under the expertise of Escher GuneWardena, the internationally heralded design firm has preserved its essential spirit while elevating it for contemporary living—integrated lighting, top-of-the-line systems, and sensitive updates ensure the home’s continued legacy.

For architecture devotees, this is more than a home—it’s a piece of history, a sculptural vision made imminently livable, both indoors and out.

Lautner’s masterpieces only hit the market only once in a blue moon, so 7316 Caverna Drive presents rare opportunity to own an enduring work by one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. The Bergren Residence is not just mid-century modern; it’s mid-century magic.

Interested in purchasing this fantastic home? I would love to get you a private tour of 7316 Caverna Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Call me today at (323) 697-3040 or email me at jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com.

Jacqueline Tager | DRE# 1476997
jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com | (323) 697-3040
Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage
1801 N Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

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