The Jaw-Dropping Guth Residence Hits the San Diego Market for the First Time
Designed by famed architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, the Guth Residence is an expert study in utilizing wall-to-wall natural materials. With artistic detailing by James Hubbell and John Vugrin, this distinctive property exemplifies artisanal craftsmanship. Originally commissioned by the Guth family, the residence offers four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
5820 Madra Avenue San Diego, CA was recently listed for $1,675,000 by Keith York of Agents of Architecture, Inc. According to Compass, the property is now pending after just 12 days on the market.
Built in 1979, this split-level home has 3,613 square feet of living space on a 10,000-square-foot lot. Its design emphasizes organic architecture and integrates modernist principles with one-of-a-kind details.
Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, a native of Mission Beach in San Diego, studied architecture at institutions including the University of Colorado, USC, and UC Berkeley. Early in his career, he worked in the offices of Sim Bruce Richards and Dale Naegle, and he drew inspiration from a meeting with Frank Lloyd Wright during his formative years. Kellogg is recognized as a key figure in organic modernist architecture, and Wright’s influence is evident in the Guth Residence.
Situated in Del Cerro, a neighborhood known for its mix of mid-century and traditional homes, the property is set apart by its experimental design. Del Cerro provides a suburban backdrop that contrasts with the home’s unconventional appearance.
The house features extensive natural light, brought in through large glass walls and smaller, strategically placed windows that brighten interior spaces in unexpected ways. The walls are clad in warm wood paneling, creating a cohesive interior. Exposed beams, visible throughout, add structural clarity and enhance the home’s organic aesthetic.
Stained glass windows serve as focal points within the home and introduce bold, colorful elements to its muted palette. The main living area includes a prominent brick fireplace with angular lines that reflect its geometric form.
The kitchen and bathrooms maintain their original vintage details, including tiled countertops with handcrafted tiles. These finishes speak to the home’s era while showcasing the attention to detail in its construction. Authentic period light fixtures are present throughout, reinforcing the integrity of the original design.
An atrium at the center of the home features live plants, creating a sense of connection with nature. The outdoor areas are understated yet beautifully landscapes, with a patio space designed to offer privacy and calm. The design prioritizes indoor-outdoor living, a hallmark of Southern California modernist architecture.
The Guth Residence is a well-preserved example of late-20th-century design, notable for its integration of natural materials, handcrafted details, and modernist principles. It remains a unique representation of Kellogg’s architectural vision.
Pending Listing: 5820 Madra Avenue San Diego, CA 92120 [Agents of Architecture, Inc.]
