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The famous Stahl house, a quintessential example of mid-century modern architectural design, is up for sale for the very first time in its whole history.

This suspended dwelling, perched in the Hollywood Hills, appeared on the market this recent week. The asking price stands at a notable $25 million.

Family Decision to Part With

The Stahl family, who have held title to the home for its complete 65-year history, released a announcement regarding their choice to sell. They stated that the house had become increasingly challenging to upkeep.

"This home has been the center of our lives for many years, but as we’ve aged, it has become more difficult to maintain it with the attention and vigor it so rightfully warrants," commented the children of the first owners.

They further stated that the time had emerged to find a new "steward" for the house – "an individual who not only appreciates its architectural significance but also understands its place in the cultural history of Los Angeles and further afield."

Unassuming Beginnings

The inception of the Stahl house date to May 1954, when the original owners acquired a sloped parcel of land in the then undeveloped Hollywood Hills district for $13,500.

Despite the Stahl house evolving into a famous symbol of the city, the residents often emphasized that "no celebrities ever lived here," referring to themselves as a "average family living in a luxury house."

Design Feat

The initial design for the Stahl house was developed during the summer of 1956. However, many designers were originally wary to erect it on the challenging hillside.

In November 1957, the Stahls met with architect Pierre Koenig, who decided to undertake the task. With support from the notable Case Study program, led by a prominent magazine editor, the owners received support to engage Koenig.

The contemporary program "focused on trial and error" and "employing new materials and erecting in places that maybe earlier the techniques didn’t really enable," commented an authority from a regional preservation society. "Each of these factors are wrapped up into a property like the Stahl house, which was cutting-edge, progressive and unimaginable in terms of how it was erected on that site that everyone else considered, at the time, was unbuildable."

Finalization and Iconic Influence

The Stahl house became Case Study house No. 22, and building started in May 1959. According to the residents, construction totaled "just $37,500" and the home was move-in ready by May 1960. The final product was "a perfect representation of what everyone envisions LA is and should be," the expert commented.

Soon after completion, a renowned architectural photographer shot what is arguably the most iconic photograph of the home. Taken through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the image features two women sitting in the home’s living room but looking to levitate over the city skyline.

"I believe the lasting impact of this image is due to the way it communicates an idea about dwelling in Los Angeles, an contrast about being both in the city and detached from it," stated a founder of an architectural firm and adjunct professor at a leading university.

Historic Status

The home has enjoyed notable cameos in film, broadcast and videos, including several famous titles from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In 1999, the city designated the Stahl house a heritage site, and in 2013, the house was listed as a conserved building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Coming Stewardship

The home is still open for public viewings, as it has been for the past 17 years, although all tours are currently sold out through February. In their release concerning the sale, the family stated they would give "sufficient warning" before ending the tours.

The sales details for the home stresses finding a new owner who will maintain the spirit of the space.

"For connoisseurs of design, supporters of design, or organizations seeking to safeguard an American masterpiece, there is simply nothing comparable," the details say. "This is more than a purchase; it is a handover of custody – a search for the next guardian who will honor the house’s legacy, appreciate its architectural purity, and ensure its conservation for posterity."

The specialist concurred that the decision of new owner would be a critical one, given the home’s legacy.

"I think any time a long-term steward, and a guardianship like this, is being sold of a residence like this, it always gives us a little bit of a concern – because you never know what the next owner, what their intentions will be. And will they grasp and value the house, as in this particular case the Stahl family has?"