Architecture · Historic Homes · Van Nuys
A 1933 Spanish Colonial Revival pairs preserved period character with approximately 0.6 acre of private, street-to-street grounds, a pool, producing orchard and detached studio.
An architectural home with its character intact
Known in the listing as the Clara Alexanian House, the residence is attributed to architect James H. Garrott. Hand-painted tile floors, arched openings, wrought-iron details and other original features give the house the texture of a genuine period home rather than a later interpretation.
The plan is practical as well as distinctive. A main-level bedroom and full bathroom can serve guests, multigenerational living or a dedicated office. Upstairs, a remodeled bathroom provides a contemporary counterpoint to the historic fabric.
The Los Angeles Conservancy describes Garrott (1897–1991) as the second Black architect admitted to the American Institute of Architects, with his application sponsored by mentor Paul R. Williams. Licensed in 1928, Garrott later collaborated with modernist Gregory Ain, designed roughly 200 buildings over his career and became a mentor to emerging Black architects.
A City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety permit dated May 19, 1953 documents that the house was relocated from 6828 Van Nuys Boulevard to its present site at 15401 Saticoy Street. The permit identifies the project as an application for the relocation of a building and a certificate of occupancy.
The Alexanian family’s first chapter
Newspaper coverage from the home’s early history described a two-story residence under construction for Clara Alexanian at 6820 Van Nuys Boulevard, just above Vanowen Street. The report gave the house’s dimensions as 52 by 41 feet, estimated its cost at $5,000 and noted a separate $500 garage.
The newspaper address differs slightly from the 6828 Van Nuys Boulevard address written on the 1953 relocation permit. Taken together, the records connect Clara Alexanian to the Van Nuys Boulevard property before the house was moved to Saticoy Street.
Other clippings add family context. George Alexanian’s 1964 funeral notice identified Clara as his wife and listed a large surviving family, including sons Jacob and Moustagh. A wartime casualty list also named Jacob H. Alexanian and identified Mrs. Clara G. Alexanian of Van Nuys as his mother.
SFV Blog first documented the property in an October 2014 article about the James H. Garrott-designed Van Nuys house, when it was pending at $729,000. That earlier report, drawing on preservation research, connected George Alexanian to the 1933 commission and noted a 1928 permit for an addition to an earlier house on the Van Nuys Boulevard parcel before the 1953 relocation.
A backyard built for long California days
Mature landscaping surrounds a resort-style pool, while a producing orchard includes lemons, limes, oranges, persimmons and other fruit trees. Beyond the pool, a detached studio offers immediate flexibility as an office or guest space.
The unusually broad, level parcel runs from Saticoy Street through to Lull Street. Even with the residence, pool, orchard and studio in place, the grounds retain a sense of openness that is difficult to find in Los Angeles.
Historic charm, updated essentials
The listing highlights owned solar, 200-amp electrical service, full copper plumbing, multi-zone heating and air conditioning, and underground utilities. Those upgrades support contemporary living while allowing the home’s period details to remain the visual focus.
Near Lake Balboa and the Sepulveda Basin
The property is minutes from Lake Balboa Park and the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, with trails, playing fields and open space nearby. Ventura Boulevard dining and the Encino corridor are a short drive south.
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Listing photo gallery
Explore the architecture, interiors, pool, orchard, studio and expansive grounds. Select any image to open the full-size lightbox.
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