In the pantheon of California Modernism, certain names carry the weight of an era—Maston, Shulman, and the coastal enclaves they helped define. Now, a rare piece of this architectural history has emerged on the market, offering a glimpse into the life and sensibilities of Tracy “Babs” Susman. A figure whose life spanned the glitz of 1960s television to the rigorous world of urban environmental planning, Susman’s legacy is perhaps most tangibly preserved in the beachfront sanctuary she commissioned in the mid-1980s.
Located in the exclusive, unincorporated coastal enclave of Faria Beach in Ventura County, the "Susman House" is currently listed for $5.1 million with Chuck and Shannon Menzel of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. It is the first time the property has ever been offered for public sale, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a pristine slice of California’s architectural heritage.
The Multifaceted Life of Tracy “Babs” Susman
To understand the house, one must understand the woman who envisioned it. Tracy Susman was a woman of singular contradictions and impressive range. In the 1960s, she was a familiar face on the small screen, gracing the sets of iconic programs such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Munsters. However, Susman’s ambitions extended well beyond the ephemeral nature of fame.
Following her tenure in the entertainment industry, she pivoted toward academia and public service, pursuing a degree in urban planning. This shift was not merely a career change but a reflection of a deeper commitment to the built environment. Her subsequent work in environmental planning, political advocacy, and film production provided her with a sophisticated lens through which to approach the design of her own home. When the opportunity arose to purchase a small rental cabin at Faria Beach—a property held by her sister and brother-in-law—Susman recognized more than just a real estate acquisition; she saw a blank canvas upon which to imprint her design philosophy.
A Chronology of Creation: From Cabin to Modernist Icon
The evolution of the property began when Susman secured the Faria Beach cabin, a humble structure that sat on a prime stretch of the Ventura coastline. Rather than merely renovating the existing footprint, she sought out Carl Maston, a titan of the California Modernism movement.
Maston was renowned for his ability to synthesize the stark geometry of Modernism with the warmth of natural materials, creating spaces that felt like an extension of the landscape rather than an imposition upon it. Between 1984 and 1985, Maston and Susman collaborated to transform the site into a architectural statement piece. Upon its completion in 1985, the house was immediately recognized for its significance, captured by the legendary architectural photographer Julius Shulman. Shulman’s images, which have become the gold standard for mid-century and contemporary modern documentation, cemented the home’s status as a quintessential example of its time.
Following Susman’s passing in 2023, the property transferred to her longtime partner, Ian Rosenthal. Under his stewardship, the residence has remained remarkably faithful to Maston’s original vision, having been updated only with the most sensitive and respectful interventions.
Architectural Integrity and Design Language
The Susman House is a masterclass in the principles of California Modernism. Its exterior, clad in warm, weathered cedar, allows the structure to recede into the coastal backdrop while maintaining a distinct, clean-lined silhouette. This material palette is carried seamlessly into the interior, where exposed structural beams and geometric brick floors create a cohesive, tactile environment.
The Heart of the Home
The central living space is defined by a striking double-sided brick fireplace that serves as the visual and functional anchor of the home. It creates a natural, porous division between the living room and the family room, allowing for a flow of light and conversation that is characteristic of the open-plan ethos. Tucked into the brickwork is a bespoke wet bar, a nod to the social, mid-century lifestyle that Susman embodied. The kitchen and dining areas are oriented toward the ocean, with expansive glass doors that dissolve the boundary between the interior and the exterior, spilling directly onto a private oceanfront patio.
The Upper Level: A Sanctuary of Light
The residence features a primary suite that is a study in coastal serenity. With its own fireside sitting area and a private deck that captures the rhythmic pulse of the Pacific, the suite offers a level of seclusion rare for beachfront properties. The bathroom, a vibrant touch of personality, features cornflower-blue tiling and a deep wooden soaking tub that feels reminiscent of a high-end Japanese onsen.
Two additional bedrooms round out the upstairs living space. One is an oceanfront suite, complete with its own fireplace, bath, and balcony, while the other offers clever design solutions, including an integrated privacy divider and easy access to a secondary white-tiled bathroom.
Supporting Data: Location and Value
The value proposition of the Susman House is dictated by its rare position at the northern end of Mondo’s Cove. The property offers 240 degrees of unobstructed Pacific Ocean views, a panoramic vista that stretches out to the Channel Islands on the horizon.
- Property Details:
- Architect: Carl Maston
- Year Built: 1985
- Location: Faria Beach, Ventura County, CA
- Listing Price: $5,100,000
- Listing Agency: LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (Chuck and Shannon Menzel)
- Site Features: Direct oceanfront access, private deck, double-sided brick fireplace, cedar siding.
In a market where beachfront inventory is notoriously limited, the Susman House represents a "unicorn" listing. The combination of its architectural provenance (Maston), its historical documentation (Shulman), and its pristine, largely original state makes it a highly desirable asset for collectors of 20th-century residential design.
Official Perspectives and Market Implications
According to listing agents Chuck and Shannon Menzel, the home has attracted significant interest from those who appreciate the preservation of architectural history. "This is not just a house; it is a time capsule of a specific, elegant, and thoughtful moment in California design," notes the team.
The market for such properties has seen a notable shift toward "legacy homes"—properties that possess a unique pedigree and a story that transcends mere square footage. As buyers become increasingly weary of the "developer modern" aesthetic that has dominated coastal development for the last decade, homes like the Susman House, which feel hand-crafted and purpose-built, have seen their value appreciate significantly.
The implications for the local Faria Beach market are also worth noting. The listing sets a benchmark for the area, suggesting that buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that retain their historical integrity. Furthermore, the sensitivity with which the home has been maintained highlights a growing trend among homeowners to preserve the original intentions of mid-century and late-modern architects.
Conclusion: A Legacy Carved in Cedar and Glass
As the sun sets over Mondo’s Cove, casting long shadows through the cedar-slatted interiors of the Susman House, it is easy to see why the home has remained a sanctuary for nearly four decades. It is a structure that demands a certain kind of resident—someone who appreciates the quiet strength of brick, the warmth of wood, and the ever-changing canvas of the Pacific Ocean.
Tracy “Babs” Susman may have transitioned through many lives—actress, model, urban planner, and activist—but in this home, she left a permanent, tangible contribution to the California landscape. For the next owner, the Susman House is more than an investment; it is an invitation to inhabit a piece of art that has been meticulously curated by time and history. Whether viewed through the lens of architectural preservation or simply as an unparalleled coastal retreat, the house stands as a testament to the enduring power of good design. As it moves into its next chapter, the Susman House remains a beacon of the Modernist spirit, waiting to welcome a new custodian of its storied, shore-side legacy.
Lina Irawan
Nana Muazin
