Exposed beams, stone fireplaces, large windows, cosy and open spaces, garden with swimming pool accessible from the living area. Natural finishes, huge kitchen. All the hallmarks of mid-century Californian modernism are on sale for two and a half million in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.

It's a villa designed by Charles Du Bois, the architect who played a leading role in the development of the entire area, helping to define a recognisable style and, above all, a typically Californian way of life that has, over time, become part of everyone’s imagination, thanks also to the contribution of artists such as David Hockney and Slim Aarons, who has told this very part of the ‘American dream’ in his photographs. The great contribution of Charles Du Bois to the mid-century modern identity of Palm Springs is also well known.

The mansion, built in 1961, is located at 5300 Dubois Avenue (the name of the street is obviously a tribute to the architect who designed all the buildings there) and covers an area of about three hundred square metres, not including the gardens.

All the rooms are on one level and have recently been renovated with a contemporary approach that respects the unmistakable characteristics of Du Bois, who was also an excellent set designer (we are still in L.A.).

The stone is still there, the stained-glass windows are still there, and there is a dimension of comfort that is built on all the levels that make up residential architecture: light and materials, but also the layout of the rooms, the number of seats and services, and their accessibility. The rooms, which have been completely renovated, exude a discreet and welcoming elegance, also thanks to Scandinavian touches and the presence of an en-suite bathroom with spa in the largest of the four rooms.

The real star of the residence is undoubtedly the outdoor space, which is obviously equipped to enjoy the area's climate in every possible way (there is a barbecue, of course).The advertisement reads. "From the graceful entrance with mature trees to the charming garden, this home embodies true Californian living".

Who knows if the case of the Woodland Hills mansion will confirm the slowdown in the sale of high-profile and historically valuable properties that have long seemed to defy the laws of a seemingly thriving market (you can find them all here).