Robert Byrd (architect)
Robert Byrd was an architect in Los Angeles, California. Most of his country/traditional homes are from the 1920s through the 1950s. His homes were —and continue to be—popular with celebrities. Owners of Byrd-designed homes have included Ron Howard, Robert Taylor, Gregory Peck, Lana Turner, and Frank Zappa. According to Hilton & Hyland listing agent Zach Goldsmith, “Byrd was a California pioneer of the indoor-outdoor architectural style, and his homes are characterized by their beamed ceilings, charming fireplaces and other rustic details, and, often, his signature built-in birdhouse element.”
He was often credited with the invention of the California Ranch style of architecture popular in the 1920s. Originally called Byrd Farm Homes, and then, later, just "Byrd Homes," the homes are known for their old-world beauty, outstanding craftsmanship and customized details throughout. Homes designed by Byrd featured elegant curves, beautiful stone, brick, woodwork, and exceptional attention to detail. His homes also incorporated design elements such as cross-hatched glass windows, and original peg and plank wood flooring. Many homes also had rough-sawn cedar on the walls and Dutch door entries. Because his homes were popular with celebrities, many contained dramatic great rooms with cathedral ceilings and bars. Some of the homes were also referred to as French country style.
In his later years he worked together with his architect son Gary Byrd.
Buildings
- 10050 Cielo Drive, Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles, CA (1944) – scene of the Sharon Tate murder
- 10048 Cielo Drive aka "The Twin House" Benedict Canyon, CA 90210
- Robert Taylor Ranch, 3099 Mandevile Canyon Rd., Los Angeles, CA
- The Tree House (build around two majestic trees), Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Lookout Mountain Ave., Los Angeles, CA – the Rock'n'roll tree house of Frank Zappa
- 2274 Ben Lomond Drive, Los Angeles CA (1938) - cottage in Los Feliz
- 8266 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA ()
- 8263 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA This quintessential Robert Byrd designed house served as the architect's personal residence for more than 25 years. ()
- 8277 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA ()
- 8281 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 ()
- 8288 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA ()
- 12048 Laurel Terrace Drive, Los Angeles CA (12048 Laurel Terrace Drive)
- 3798 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL (circa 1958)[1] It is debatable if this is a true Robert Byrd house.
- 3401 N Ann Arbor Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73122
- 1227 Coldwater Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca 90210 ()
- 2796 Outpost Dr Los Angeles, CA 90068 ()
- 1426 Summitridge Dr., Beverly Hills, CA ()
- 11027 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049 ()
- 'Gentlemen's Hunting Lodge' circa 1950 near Hollywood Boulevard. ()
- 4535 Encino Ave., Encino, CA 91316 ()
- 10756 Rochester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 ()
- 2419 Astral Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90046 ()
- 4250 Navajo Ave Toluca Lake, CA 91602 ()
- 300 East Durham Drive, Mobile, AL 36606
- 11723 Canton Pl Los Angeles, CA 91604 ()
- 2170 Stradella Rd Los Angeles, CA 90077 ()
- 1642 Queens Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 ()
- 1147 Horn Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069
- 221 Denslow Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049 ()()
- 1260 Lago Vista Place, Los Angeles, CA 90210 ()
