Alice Lynch House: One of Los Angeles’ Last Authentic Adobe Homes is For Sale
Hidden within the historic West Adams Terrace neighborhood, the Alice Lynch House is one of the rarest residential properties in Los Angeles, and it has now been put on the market.
Designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 621, the home is not only a beautifully preserved example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture but also one of only around 40 authentic adobe houses believed to remain in the Los Angeles area.
Built in 1922 for poet Alice Lynch, the residence was designed by architect Harwood Hewitt, a leading figure in Southern California’s Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival movements, in collaboration with renowned adobe builder John Byers.
Long before stucco-clad Spanish-style homes became commonplace across Los Angeles, Byers championed the traditional adobe construction techniques that have shaped California architecture for generations.
Working alongside skilled Mexican craftsmen, he produced many of the handmade bricks and decorative tiles directly on site, creating a home that remains a remarkable testament to the region’s architectural heritage.
Organized around a tranquil central courtyard, the approximately 2,500-square-foot residence embraces the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that has long defined Southern California living.
The U-shaped layout creates a private oasis at the heart of the home, where mature landscaping, shaded arches, and intimate gathering spaces offer a peaceful escape from the city beyond.
The entrance immediately introduces the craftsmanship that makes the home so distinctive. Decorative tilework, custom built-ins, and abundant natural light set the tone before opening into the dramatic main living room.
The living room features soaring wood-beamed ceilings that rise above the original hardwood floors, milled from a single hand-selected tree by the architect himself.
A towering floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace anchors the room, while graceful archways and French doors frame views of the courtyard and allow sunlight to pour through the interior throughout the day.
The kitchen has been carefully renovated with respect for the home’s history. Custom stucco cabinetry echoes the original architecture, while mahogany butcher block countertops add warmth and character.
A built-in breakfast nook creates a cozy place to begin the day, and a pass-through window connects directly to the courtyard, making outdoor dining and entertaining feel effortless.
The flexible floor plan includes four bedrooms and three beautifully updated bathrooms. Contemporary improvements have been introduced with restraint, allowing the historic details to remain the focal point.
Refined finishes, thoughtfully chosen materials, and modern conveniences sit comfortably alongside thick adobe walls, exposed timber beams, and handcrafted architectural features that have survived for more than a century.
Outside, the landscaping has been enhanced to celebrate the property’s unique character. A sculptural mature cactus serves as the focal point of the backyard, surrounded by custom built-in seating, a calming water feature, and a productive avocado tree.
The home’s neutral and pink palette is spruced up with turquoise window frames, a color that also returns in one of the bathroom’s tilework.
The Alice Lynch House is far more than a beautifully restored period home. It is an exceptionally rare survivor from an earlier chapter of Los Angeles history, preserving authentic construction techniques that have almost disappeared from the city’s landscape.
The house is listed for $1,849,500 with Molly Kelley of Compass and Daria Greenbaum.