Made to party, lavish contemporary beckons guests
When Charles and Phyllis Rice became the second owners of this Encino home in 2002, they had family gatherings in mind.
“We have four children and 15 grandchildren, plus he and I both have brothers and sisters,” Phyllis Rice said. The house, built in 1991 on nearly 1.2 acres, was designed for large-scale entertaining.
The Rices also share a love of architecturally interesting houses, having owned one designed by architect John Lautner before buying in Encino. This house, designed by the Randy Washington Group, is a two-story contemporary with an open floor plan, high ceilings and walls of glass.
Now the Rices, who have been married for 54 years, have decided to downsize. They still want at least three bedrooms, but like most retirees they would prefer a one-story house with less space.
“We really don’t need a 9,000-square-foot house,” Charles Rice said.
About this house: It is in the community of Royal Oaks, where Julie London, Cybill Shepherd and other entertainers have lived. The gated home is in a private setting with city, mountain and canyon views.
Asking price: $4.8 million
Size: There are six bedrooms and seven bathrooms in slightly more than 9,000 square feet. The lot size is 52,000 square feet.
Features: The home has a gym, sauna, media room with electronic window shutters, four-car garage and kitchen with two center islands and commercial-grade appliances.
Where: Encino
Listing agent: Robert Stiles, Prudential John Aaroe, (818) 694-3637
To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send color interior and exterior photos on a CD and a description of the house, including what makes the property unusual, to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Questions can be sent to homeofthe week@latimes.com.
