This exquisite yet strange house, now recognized as a historical and cultural landmark, is protected by City Hall due to its bizarre architecture. Future Los Angeles will reveal more about its fascinating story.
What is known about the house?
French architect Jean-Louis Egasse worked alongside owners Albert and Constance Braasch to design this unique residence. Built in 1923 in Eagle Rock, California, it showcases a charming storybook style. The spouses resided in the house until 1978, a span of 55 years.
During the design process, the trio allowed their creativity to flourish, drawing inspiration from both French and Scandinavian architectural styles. Here are some noteworthy architectural features to highlight:
- The stained glass window stands at an impressive 11 feet tall. It showcases a unique artistic touch, truly a masterpiece in its own right. This stunning piece allows not just light, but a vibrant array of colors to fill the home. It adds an enchanting and whimsical atmosphere to the space.
- Numerous rough wood carvings contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The textured wood contrasts beautifully with the smooth surfaces of other materials, adding depth to the interior.
- An open balcony styled like a Norman village evokes the charm of a medieval castle, creating a delightful ambiance.
- Relief murals on the walls introduce layers of depth and expressiveness to the overall design.
- Ceilings and walls adorned with seagulls symbolize freedom and the quest for new horizons.
- Sophisticated built-in floral wall sconces add a touch of softness and romance to the decor.
- Incorporated Viking ships embody strength, courage and a spirit of adventure.
- Lastly, the odd, asymmetrical entrance arches present unconventional designs that draw attention, making the house more compelling and original.
What is known about Braasch spouses?
The Albert and Constance Braasch family relocated to Eagle Rock in 1914. This move came shortly after their business in San Francisco, which focused on furnaces and radiators, was lost. There are two accounts regarding the timing of this loss; one suggests it occurred during the 1906 earthquake, while the other points to a fire in 1909. Regardless of the cause, the family’s enterprise was ultimately devastated.
In the late 1910s or early 1920s, the family acquired a parcel of land that included a farmhouse dating back to the 1800s. They divided the land and hired a 35-year-old French architect to design, construct and landscape their new home and yard. Notably, this was the first house that Jean-Louis Egasse built independently. He later gained recognition for his subsequent projects in Los Angeles, including 5320 Hilltop Road (1926) and another in Echo Park at 2306 Effie St. (1924). Eventually, he relocated to Laguna Beach, where he continued his work.
Constance Braasch was a talented artist and piano teacher. Even before their home was finished, she started hosting piano concerts, a charming tradition that continued into the 1950s following their housewarming.
Constance contributed to the home’s aesthetic with her stunning decorative elements, such as murals, floral wall patterns, stained glass windows and detailed wood carvings. The spouses resided in the house until 1978, shortly before the woman passed away.
Some information about the house
The Egasse-Braasch House can be found at 2327 Hill Drive in Los Angeles. Notable nearby attractions include the Moore Zoological Laboratory, just 1.25 miles away, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater at 1.61 miles and Adams Square Mini Park, which is 1.64 miles from the house.
This distinctive house was sold in 1979 and later became a rental property. In 1993, it welcomed two now-famous actors and screenwriters, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. While living there, they wrote the award-winning screenplay for Good Will Hunting.
Ben Affleck knew the area well, having attended Occidental College just a stone’s throw away. It’s quite probable that his younger brother, Casey, resided in that house. What’s truly remarkable is that all three of them ended up winning Oscars.
The house’s fame and filmography
The Egasse-Braasch House is both a private residence and a popular filming site. Locals and tourists alike can admire its beautiful exterior from the street. In 2013, the Los Angeles City Council recognized its significance by designating it as the Historic-Cultural Monument (#1042), highlighting its vital role in the city’s cultural heritage.
Jean-Louis Egasse designed a house that enchants with its artistic architecture. It offers a stunning visual appeal from different perspectives, making it a popular choice for films, television shows, music videos and commercials. However, not all films, particularly those made by students, can be found online.
In March 2016, the short drama Blue Apples, shot in the Egasse-Braasch house, premiered. The film features a script by Valeriya Matveeva and stars actresses Valeriya Matveeva and Lisa Cole.
In April 2016, a short drama project called Baby Blues, directed by Luying Zhang, was released as part of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The following year, the house served as the filming location for several films, including Zoetrope, Lemon Drop, and The Offer. In 2018, a short school project titled Wind Up Toy, produced by Yunhong Guo from the New York Film Academy, was also released. Additionally, the music video Under Your Spell by the local goth/rock band ExSage was filmed in the house.
The house served as a filming site for the well-known horror film Ouija House. Its eerie appearance was perfect for crafting a chilling and mysterious atmosphere. Consequently, the house has become a notable spot for movie enthusiasts.
In the plot, a girl brings her friends to a house with a dark past to conduct a research project. However, they unintentionally summon a malevolent spirit, transforming the house into a central figure in its sinister game.
Celebrating 100 years: a look at the highlights
The Egasse-Braasch house, completed in 1923, marked its 100th anniversary in 2023. The French architect Jean-Louis Egasse revealed that his main inspiration stemmed from the Norman architectural influences left by Viking descendants during the medieval period. The building’s exterior features various elements drawn from Saxony and Northern Italy. The curved, asymmetrical arches, interconnected geometrically, were designed to form a visually harmonious composition. Egasse shared these insights during an interview with California Southland Magazine in December 1923.
After the construction was completed, the Braasch spouses hosted a two-day housewarming celebration, which was named Musicale. This special event occurred on August 11 and 12, 1923. According to the Eagle Rock Sentinel, it was one of the most appealing events ever held in Eagle Rock. The program received enthusiastic and robust applause from the attendees. Among the guests and performers were:
- Virgil Drensberg captivated the audience with his performance of Bach’s Violin Concerto, showcasing a beautiful tone and effortless technique.
- Constance Braasch, the creative daughter of the homeowners, delivered a heartfelt performance of the Nocturne in F Minor on the piano during the housewarming celebration.
- Ruth Thompson delighted everyone with two piano pieces.
- Mrs. Elsie Van Norman of Los Angeles enchanted the crowd with her rich contralto voice, earning multiple calls for an encore.
It’s wonderful to see the house revitalized! Its garden has been opened up, making it easily visible from the street. While there’s still plenty of work ahead, this house’s charm and story are captivating and thought-provoking.
