Inside John Lautner’s Sheats-Goldstein Residence: A Modernist Icon in Los Angeles | House Tour

The Sheats-Goldstein Residence is one of Los Angeles' most iconic architectural masterpieces, designed and built by John Lautner between 1961-1963. Tucked into the hills above Beverly Hills, the house is a striking example of Lautner’s signature organic modernism, seamlessly blending concrete, wood, and glass to create a structure that feels both futuristic and deeply connected to nature. Initially built for Helen and Paul Sheats, the home was later purchased by fashion and basketball enthusiast James Goldstein, who enlisted Lautner—and later, his protégé Duncan Nicholson—to expand and refine its design over decades. The result is an almost sculptural space, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that erase the boundary between indoors and outdoors, a cantilevered roof that floats effortlessly over the living spaces, and a visual language that celebrates openness, light, and an unbroken connection to the surrounding landscape.

Goldstein’s vision extended beyond the house itself, leading to the creation of Club James. The design of Club James began as a collaboration between James Goldstein and architect Duncan Nicholson, later involving James and Kristopher of Conner + Perry Architects after Duncan's passing. The construction commenced in the early 2000s, and as the project progressed, its scope expanded and evolved into the remarkable space it is today. Designed as a private entertainment venue, Club James is an architectural feat in itself, buried beneath the one-of-a-kind infinity tennis court and emerging as a seamless continuation of Lautner’s modernist aesthetic. The space features a sleek, moody atmosphere, incorporating concrete, glass, and steel with dramatic lighting and innovative acoustics to create a setting for exclusive gatherings. Conner + Perry’s design honors the original spirit of the Sheats-Goldstein Residence while introducing a contemporary edge that complements Goldstein’s love for fashion, art, and nightlife. The club also integrates elements of landscape architecture, making it feel like an organic extension of the hillside rather than a separate, intrusive structure.

Together, the Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James form a singular architectural experience, evolving over time yet maintaining a cohesive vision. Goldstein’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design has transformed the property into more than just a home—it's a living, breathing piece of modernist history that continues to captivate architects, designers, and cultural figures worldwide.

Film - Mick Aure
Producer - Elias Tebache
Music - Deep Al Brindle
Photography - Sterling Reed
Special Thanks - Jim Goldstein, Kris Conner & James Perry

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