A rare architectural treasure by Ray Kappe, FAIA — the visionary behind some of California’s most celebrated modern homes — has just hit the market in Marina del Rey for $6.995 million.
Listed with Cory Weiss of Douglas Elliman, the property at 3817 Ocean Front Walk stands as a testament to Kappe’s mastery of light, structure, and the coastal landscape.
Set on one of Los Angeles’ few boardwalk-free beachfront parcels, the residence enjoys uninterrupted ocean access and privacy rarely found along this stretch of coastline. Just minutes from Venice, Santa Monica, and Silicon Beach, it captures the best of both worlds: architectural significance and seaside serenity.
Originally commissioned as a statement in design and livability, the home is pure Ray Kappe — from the floating staircases and clerestory windows to the rhythmic interplay of wood and glass. His architectural approach emphasized connection to the environment, natural light, and the expressive potential of structural form.
Kappe, who co-founded the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in 1972, helped shape generations of architects with his emphasis on sustainable design and modular building systems long before they became mainstream.
This residence distills his philosophy into a coastal masterpiece, where craftsmanship and landscape exist in perfect balance.
Recently updated and meticulously maintained, the home preserves Kappe’s original intent while integrating modern comforts. It’s both an architectural artifact and a functional modern residence, rare for beachfront Los Angeles.
The modernist residence spans approximately 3,022 square feet with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Open-plan interiors are defined by exposed wood, steel detailing, and walls of glass that dissolve the boundary between indoors and out.
Multiple terraces overlook the Pacific, offering seamless indoor-outdoor living that has become a hallmark of Kappe’s work.
Inside, two oceanfront living areas and a chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances create a flowing, livable space ideal for both entertaining and quiet reflection.
Few architects have left as distinct a mark on California’s built environment as Ray Kappe. Known for his warm, linear compositions and use of natural materials, Kappe’s homes feel simultaneously rooted in nature and forward-looking.
This Marina del Rey property continues that legacy, demonstrating how his principles of openness, flow, and harmony with the environment remain timeless. For design enthusiasts and collectors alike, the home presents an opportunity to own a piece of architectural history (with added beach perks).
Set apart from the public boardwalk and bike path, this home offers a level of privacy rarely found on L.A.’s coastline. The location provides direct beachfront access while keeping Venice’s energy and Santa Monica’s dining and cultural scene just minutes away.
That balance of tranquility and accessibility has made this small pocket of sand one of the most coveted stretches in Los Angeles, particularly for those who value design pedigree and oceanfront seclusion.
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