Venice Craftsman hits the right notes

This 105-year-old Craftsman compound with ties to the Venice music scene in the 1940s recently sold for about $2.56 million.

The historic residence, built in 1909, was home to songwriter and recording artist Eden Ahbez in the 1940s. Ahbez, who moved to Los Angeles in 1941, was best known for his alternative lifestyle as well as composing “Nature Boy,” a song that would go on to become a No. 1 hit for Nat King Cole in 1948.

Longtime Venice residents John Caldwell, a music video producer, and Susan Kalinowski, a hairstylist to the stars, paid $325,000 for the home in 1986. During a renovation of the kitchen, the couple discovered newspapers dating back to 1909 in the walls that advertised lots for sale in Venice from $500 to $1,000.

Located half a block from the beach on a walk street, the restored Craftsman has a total of six bedrooms and four bathrooms in about 3,200 square feet split among the main residence, a guest house and a studio apartment.

Stained glass cabinetry, period light fixtures and detailed wood touches lend a vintage touch to the interiors of the home. Through French doors, a sunroom opens to a front deck and ornamental pond, set off by bright hibiscus and lemon trees.

Alice Plato of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage listed the property on behalf of Caldwell and Kalinowski. Anna Solomon of The Agency represented the buyers in the sale.

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