Cliff May: Cliff May house #5 (Brentwood, Calif.)

Cliff May house 5 represents the final stage in his design of the custom ranch house in its scale, large areas of glass, and high ceilings. The large central living space (over 1,600 square feet and 53 feet long) was a combination of living room, dining room, and music room separated by a kitchen from the bedrooms. Enclosed on three sides by the house and carport, the terrace had radiant heating so it could be used for entertaining.

Elizabeth Gordon declined to publish this house in House Beautiful, saying that the size, over 7,000 square feet with nine outdoor living areas, was out of scale for her readers. May brought it to House and Garden, where it was published as the first “Hallmark House.” The magazine described how the Mays lived in the house and its innovative features, such as kitchen island counter with sink and a sprinkler system for the skylight.

Cliff May, architect
Maynard Parker, photographer

Cliff May papers, Architecture and Design Collection. Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara.

circa 1955-1961

Maynard L. Parker, photographer. Courtesy of The Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif.

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