The Modernist Sanctuary of Tracy “Babs” Susman: A California Coastal Legacy Hits the Market

In the quiet, exclusive enclave of Faria Beach in Ventura County, California, a architectural gem has emerged from the shadows of history. The "Susman House," a breathtaking testament to mid-1980s modernist design, has been listed for sale for the first time since its completion. Commissioned by the late actress, model, and polymath Tracy “Babs” Susman, the property is not merely a residence; it is a meticulously preserved time capsule that bridges the gap between the golden age of Hollywood and the serene, uncompromising aesthetic of California Modernism.

Now listed for $5.1 million with Chuck and Shannon Menzel of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the home offers a rare opportunity to acquire a work of art that was once captured by the lens of the legendary architectural photographer Julius Shulman.

The Life and Legacy of Tracy “Babs” Susman

To understand the significance of the house, one must first understand the woman who envisioned it. Tracy “Babs” Susman was a figure of multifaceted brilliance. In the 1960s, she was a recognizable face on the American cultural landscape, bringing charm and presence to iconic television programs such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Munsters.

However, Susman was never content to remain solely within the orbit of Hollywood. After her acting career, she pivoted toward intellectual and civic pursuits, returning to academia to study urban planning. This shift proved pivotal; she spent the subsequent decades working in environmental planning, politics, and film production—a background that arguably informed the structural and environmental sensitivity of the home she would eventually build at Mondo’s Cove. When Susman passed away in 2023, she left behind a legacy that transcended the screen, reflected in the carefully curated architecture of her beachfront sanctuary.

Chronology: From Rental Cabin to Architectural Icon

The story of the Susman House begins long before the first brick was laid. For years, the property was a modest rental cabin frequented by Susman’s sister and brother-in-law. It was during these years of coastal visits that the potential of the Faria Beach location began to take root in Susman’s imagination.

When the opportunity to purchase the site finally arose, Susman did not seek to merely renovate the existing structure. Instead, she embarked on a bold architectural journey. She commissioned Carl Maston, a titan of the California Modernism movement, to design a residence that would harmonize with the Pacific environment.

• Mid-1980s: Susman acquires the Faria Beach cabin site and commissions Carl Maston.
• 1985: Construction is completed, resulting in a home defined by clean lines, natural materials, and an organic connection to the landscape.
• Post-1985: The home gains architectural notoriety, immortalized by Julius Shulman, the photographer responsible for shaping the world’s perception of Southern California’s mid-century modern aesthetic.
• 2023: Upon Susman’s passing, ownership of the home transfers to her longtime partner, Ian Rosenthal.
• 2026: The property officially enters the real estate market for the first time in its history.

The Architectural Vision of Carl Maston

Carl Maston was a master of the "indoor-outdoor" lifestyle, a philosophy that became the hallmark of the California Modernist movement. The Susman House is a quintessential example of this ethos. Maston’s design utilizes a sophisticated palette of materials—cedar siding, geometric brick, and exposed structural beams—to create a space that feels both grounded and expansive.

The heart of the home is defined by a double-sided brick fireplace that serves as an anchor, separating the living room from the family room. This feature is not just a structural element but a social one, complemented by a bespoke, chic wet bar integrated directly into the fireplace wall. The transition from these interior spaces to the exterior is seamless; the kitchen and dining areas open directly onto an oceanfront patio, effectively blurring the lines between the comfort of the home and the vastness of the Pacific.

Upstairs, the design remains light-filled and airy. The primary suite is a sanctuary unto itself, featuring a fireside sitting area and a private deck that offers unobstructed water views. Perhaps the most distinct touch is the bathroom, which showcases custom cornflower-blue tile and a deep wooden soaking tub—a nod to the restorative power of the ocean air.

Supporting Data and Property Specifications

The allure of the Susman House is bolstered by its geographic positioning. Located at the northern end of Mondo’s Cove, the home commands 240 degrees of Pacific Ocean views. Residents are afforded a vantage point that includes the Channel Islands, visible on the horizon.

• Listing Price: $5,100,000
• Agency: LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (Chuck and Shannon Menzel)
• Key Features:
  • Three bedrooms, including two oceanfront suites.
  • Primary suite with private balcony and fireplace.
  • Geometric brick flooring and original exposed timber beams.
  • Well-maintained vintage details with sensitive, modern updates.
  • Unparalleled, expansive coastal exposure.

Implications for the Market and Preservationists

The listing of the Susman House serves as a significant marker in the current luxury real estate climate. As the inventory of authentic modernist homes in California dwindles, properties that have remained in single-family ownership for decades—and that have been "sensitively updated" rather than gutted—are becoming increasingly rare.

For potential buyers, the Susman House represents a dual opportunity: the chance to own a piece of entertainment history and the responsibility of stewarding a Maston-designed legacy. The preservation of the home’s original character, despite being on the market for the first time in nearly forty years, speaks to the enduring quality of its initial construction and the care with which it was held.

Architectural historians have long argued that the value of such homes is not strictly found in square footage or location, but in the "provenance of design." The fact that the home was documented by Julius Shulman—an artist whose photos essentially defined the "California Dream"—elevates the property from a residence to a cultural asset.

A Legacy of Light and Water

As the sun sets over Mondo’s Cove, the cedar siding of the Susman House glows with a warmth that seems to reflect the very era in which it was built. It is a home that captures the optimism of the 1980s through the lens of mid-century sensibilities.

Whether the next owner is a fan of classic television, a devotee of California Modernism, or simply someone looking for a sanctuary where the Pacific Ocean is a constant, rhythmic companion, the Susman House stands ready to welcome its next chapter. It remains a rare, untouched relic of a specific time and place—a home that, much like its former owner, is both elegant and remarkably, beautifully grounded.

For those interested in exploring the details of this coastal retreat, the full photographic archive is currently available through the listing agents, providing a comprehensive view of a home that truly represents the intersection of art, history, and the rugged beauty of the California coastline.