The Historic Hollywood Hills Residence and Studio of Famed Ceramicists Gertrud and Otto Natzler is Now Available
The Hollywood Hills residence, once the vibrant center for celebrated Austrian ceramicists Gertrud and Otto Natzler, where they meticulously crafted thousands of exquisite ceramic pieces—many now housed in world-renowned museums—is now entering the market after eight decades. Beyond being their prolific workspace, this 1930s Nichols Canyon property served as their daily sanctuary, a place where they welcomed loved ones and managed household affairs, all while contributing significantly to the art world.
Remarkably, the Natzler Residence, now available for $2.5 million through Barry Gray at Compass, still features many original artistic touches. Visitors will find Otto's signature spectrum of hand-glazed tiles adorning the kitchen and intricately set into the garden steps. Furthermore, Otto's personal office and studio, along with the studio and darkroom specifically designed for his second wife, Gail, remain intact, ensuring that the home's profound artistic heritage is literally woven into its very structure.
The main dwelling, constructed in 1937, was later expanded in 1988 with a two-story addition. Inside, the home boasts a warm living room with a fireplace, a wood-paneled dining area, and a colorfully tiled kitchen. It includes two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, with one bedroom thoughtfully converted into Otto's private workspace. The addition, conceived by architect Alfred T. Wilkes with a chalet aesthetic, houses the primary suite featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and expansive glass walls that offer breathtaking views of the canyon. After Gertrud's passing in 1971, Otto's marriage to photographer Gail led to a portion of this new wing being transformed into her dedicated studio and darkroom, while the original, detached ceramics studio above the garage, complete with its own living quarters, preserves the exact environment where Gertrud and Otto created their masterpieces.
The Natzler home was a legendary gathering place, drawing together the crème de la crème of Los Angeles's artistic community for chamber music evenings and intellectual salons. Luminaries such as violinist Jascha Heifetz, actor Henry Fonda, photographer Julius Shulman, and fashion designer Rudi Gernreich frequently graced its halls. Exploring the residence today, with its distinctive arched doorways and sun-drenched rooms, it's easy to imagine the vibrant social events that once unfolded here. With so much of the couple's original craftsmanship and personal spaces preserved, the home stands as a living testament to their enduring legacy and a profound source of inspiration for future generations of artists and enthusiasts alike.