‘Like Living In Art’: See Luxury Modern Homes For Sale In CA, NJ, MD

ACROSS AMERICA — Modern architects expressed themselves with uncluttered simplicity, remaining true to the underlying philosophy of design that form follows function.

Modernists replaced the unnecessary embellishments of more ornate and elaborate architectural styles with sharp, clean lines and open floor plans that respond to how people live. Modern designs often feature open living spaces and large windows that let in natural light and natural surroundings.

The risks taken by some of the great modernists — Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, Zaha Hadid and a few others — have withstood the test of time. Their influences can be seen in the three houses — in California, Maryland and New Jersey — featured this week in How Much House.

California | $3,699,000

524 Cragmont Ave., Berkeley
Listed by: Herman Chan | Decker Bullock Dreyfus Inc.
Square feet: 3,851
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 (all full)
Year built: 2023

If ultra-modern is your style, this sleek, handsome home in the North Berkeley Hills offers commanding views of the San Francisco Bay. The house was designed to maximize 180-degree panoramas on each floor, with jaw-dropping views that span five counties, encompassing Mt. Tam to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Peninsula. Phantom glass walls seemingly disappear into thin air.

This home is an entertainer’s dream. The chef’s kitchen and elegant living room flow seamlessly into the outdoor lounge and alfresco dining area. A massive rear outdoor terrace is made for hosting soirées, barbecues or simply stargazing.

The top floor has sun-drenched ensuite bedrooms, one with a fireplace, and a private sky deck patio with collapsible glass panel sliding doors. The other has a wall that “vanishes” before your eyes.

The ground floor has an expansive family and media room, and a third ensuite bedroom with a separate entrance that’s perfect for visiting guests.

A level-in driveway leads to a two-car side-by-side parking garage, a rare amenity in historic locations. Peek inside for more photos.

Maryland | $2,050,000

5300 Briley Place, Bethesda
Listed by: Brian Maury | Compass
Square feet: 4,100
Acreage: .20 acre
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 5 (all full)
Year built: 1966

This custom-built home began life as a mid-century brick rambler. Renovations, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, were completed in 2018 to make it like new — only better.

Features include a striking exterior with deep natural wood tongue-and-groove overhangs, natural stone, custom-configured windows, flagstone steps and classic rain chains. The wrap-around porch has gorgeous wood ceilings, and the expanded rear flagstone patio with stone retaining walls and a built-in gas grill. Both let nature in, one of the principles of modern design.

The main level has an open floor plan typical of modern architecture, a gas fireplace in the family room and hardwood floors. The large primary suite has a walk-in closet and a sumptuous ensuite bath with a soaking tub, two sinks, and a ceramic tiled shower.

The lower level is completely finished and includes an oversized one-car garage with bike and cold storage. An additional exterior entrance off the driveway leads to a mudroom and more storage space. Peek inside for more photos.

New Jersey | $2,300,000

125 Pleasant Hill Road, Chester Township
Listed by: Richard Lattmann | Kienlen Lattman Sotheby’s International Realty
Square feet: 7,370
Acreage: 5.01 acres
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 5 (all full)
Year built: 1966

The acclaimed modernist Richard Meier — whose architectural credits include museums in Frankfurt, Barcelona and Rome as well as corporate headquarters and private residences — designed this luxury home in the historic township of Chester, New Jersey.

Featured by The New York Times, Luxury Home & Living and other publications, this prize-winning modern mansion with a white stucco exterior finish showcases Meier’s use of geometric shapes with its high cylindrical towers and curved walls.

Walls of glass and multiple skylights flood the home with light, exposing the gardens and breathtaking views of nature. It’s like “living in a work of art,” according to the property listing.

The U-shaped showplace has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, with plenty of patio space around the latter. It has brick flooring throughout and built-in furniture, including banquet sofas.

Surprises inside include a first-floor primary suite that has two ensuite bathrooms, one a black marble room with a jetted tub and bidet, and the other with a large walk-in shower. The suite also has a sitting room and a dressing room. Peek inside for more photos.

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