One of the last authentic adobe homes in Los Angeles has hit the market, offering buyers a chance to own a rare piece of California’s architectural history.The Alice Lynch House, located at 2414 4th Avenue in the historic West Adams Terrace neighbourhood, has been listed for $1,849,500 (around $1.85 million), according to the New York Post.Built in 1922 for poet Alice Lynch, the home is one of the few remaining examples of traditional adobe construction in Los Angeles. Unlike the Spanish Colonial Revival homes commonly seen across the city, this house was built using stacked, sun-dried mud bricks, a centuries-old building technique.The two-storey, nearly 2,500-square-foot house was designed by architect Henry Harwood Hewitt in collaboration with adobe specialist John Byers, who played a key role in reviving traditional adobe construction in Southern California during the early 20th century.Built with the help of skilled Mexican craftsmen, the home features thick adobe walls, exposed timber beams, arched glass doors and a large brick fireplace. Byers also produced many of the building materials himself, including the adobe bricks and roof tiles.The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is arranged around a central courtyard, giving it a private and timeless feel. While the property has been updated over the years, the renovations have been kept simple, with modern kitchen cabinetry, concrete sinks and finishes that blend with the home’s historic character.The courtyard remains the focal point of the property, surrounded by adobe walls that provide privacy and preserve its original charm.Los Angeles once had hundreds of adobe homes dating back to the Spanish and Mexican eras. However, many were destroyed by earthquakes, neglect or redevelopment. By the early 1900s, traditional adobe construction had become uncommon.The Alice Lynch House was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 621 in 1996, recognising its historical and architectural importance.Today, it stands as one of the city’s few surviving examples of authentic adobe architecture, offering a rare opportunity for buyers interested in preserving a unique piece of California’s history.
