A sculptor’s vision transforms a house into a masterpiece on the California coast.
- Sculptor Robert Graham designed a unique beachfront home for Roy and Carol Doumani in the 1980s.
- The house, located in Marina del Rey, is now on the market for $17.5 million.
- Graham collaborated with various artists to create distinctive features throughout the home.
- The property includes three bedrooms, a lap pool, and a theater, spanning approximately 6,600 square feet.
- Carol Doumani plans to sell the house to embrace a new chapter in her life.
In the 1970s, art enthusiasts Roy and Carol Doumani met renowned sculptor Robert Graham at a Beverly Hills event. They initially sought a custom art piece for their planned beachfront home in California, but Graham proposed an ambitious idea: he would design the entire house. Carol, then 27, recalled how they embraced this unique opportunity, despite Graham’s lack of formal architectural training. The result was a stunning contemporary home in Marina del Rey, completed in 1982, which is now listed for $17.5 million following Roy’s passing in 2019. nnThe U-shaped, three-bedroom residence spans about 6,600 square feet and features two geometric wings framed by black glass windows. Graham enlisted a team of artists, including painter David Novros, who created stained-glass double doors, and Dale Chihuly, who designed a chandelier for the dining room. The house also boasts modern amenities like an elevator, a lap pool, and a four-car garage, along with two kitchens. nnRoy Doumani, a financier and UCLA professor, purchased the land for $121,000 in 1972. The construction process took four years and required 170 tons of plaster, costing around $2 million. The entryway showcases Novros’s stained-glass doors leading to an open living area with a striking two-story window. Other artists contributed unique elements, such as Waterford crystal-etched balustrades and a mosaic wall on the roof deck. nnGraham advised against hanging additional art, suggesting that the natural light patterns should serve as the home’s artwork. He later designed civic monuments, but the Doumani home remains a testament to his artistic vision. Over the years, the couple invited more artists to contribute, including Chihuly, who created a whimsical chandelier after an initial design was deemed impractical. nnDespite updates to appliances and bathrooms, the Doumanis maintained the home’s original artistic integrity. Carol, now 75, feels it’s time for a change and believes the house deserves new energy. Located near popular tourist attractions, the property offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is positioned on a desirable corner lot. Most of the art will be included in the sale, ensuring the home’s artistic legacy continues.·
Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the Doumani’s home and its artistic significance, but it includes some subjective opinions and personal anecdotes that may detract from its objectivity. While it is informative and mostly factual, the narrative style and focus on personal experiences could lead to a perception of bias.·
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article primarily focuses on the sale of a unique luxury home designed by an artist, providing detailed descriptions of its features and the artistic process involved. However, it lacks critical analysis or broader context about the implications of such luxury real estate trends, and it does not hold any powerful entities accountable or explore systemic issues. While it is informative, it reads more like a promotional piece than a rigorous journalistic article.·
Key People: Roy Doumani (Financier and UCLA professor), Carol Doumani (Novelist), Robert Graham (Sculptor), David Novros (Painter), Terry Schoonhoven (Muralist), Dale Chihuly (Artist), Billy Al Bengston (Artist), Ed Moses (Abstract painter), Joanna Poussette-Dart (Artist), Tony Berlant (Artist), Eric Orr (Artist), Frank Gehry (Architect), Linda May (Listing agent at Carolwood Estates), Anjelica Huston (Actress)
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the listing of a luxury home for sale in Marina del Rey, California, which has a significant price tag of $17.5 million. This could potentially impact the high-end real estate market in the area.
Financial Rating Justification: The article is relevant to financial topics as it involves a high-value property transaction and may have an impact on the luxury housing market in Marina del Rey, California.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses the history and sale of a luxury home, but does not mention any extreme events occurring in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks
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