Never before on market, the 1936 Baby Grand Piano Studio is an early Modernist example of one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century: Richard Neutra. Custom-built for notable local writer David Malcolmson and now restored to its original condition, this prized gem has been published widely in architectural books and magazines as The Mother-In-Law & The David Malcolmson Guest House. This pied-a-terre with expansive curved wall of windows framing the canyon and the terraced garden below is a small but private artistic haven, and can be your great sunny coastal sanctuary, perfect for snowbirds escaping harsh winters or local professionals looking for a chic studio space. Located in the desirable Santa Monica Canyon, but technically in the City of LA in the Palisades School District. Tucked away from the city hustle, moments to the beach, Rustic Canyon Park tennis courts, local restaurants, and shops. Experience life in a historical piece of art.
Never before on market, the 1936 Baby Grand Piano Studio is an early Modernist example of one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century: Richard Neutra. Custom-built for notable local writer David Malcolmson and now restored to its original condition, this prized gem has been published widely in architectural books and magazines as The Mother-In-Law & The David Malcolmson Guest House. This pied-a-terre with expansive curved wall of windows framing the canyon and the terraced garden below is a small but private artistic haven, and can be your great sunny coastal sanctuary, perfect for snowbirds escaping harsh winters or local professionals looking for a chic studio space. Located in the desirable Santa Monica Canyon, but technically in the City of LA in the Palisades School District. Tucked away from the city hustle, moments to the beach, Rustic Canyon Park tennis courts, local restaurants, and shops. Experience life in a historical piece of art.
TheMLS #21-721974
Jun 10, 2021
Sold
$1,440,000
$2,753/sq ft
Jun 1, 2021
Pending
—
Apr 21, 2021
Listed
$1,515,000
$2,897/sq ft
TheMLS #21-677942
Mar 15, 2021
Contingent
—
Jan 26, 2021
Price Changed
*
Jan 8, 2021
Listed
*
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$18,623 (+1.0%)
$1,246,960 + $311,739
$1,558,699
2024
$18,440 (+2.0%)
$1,246,960 + $311,739
$1,558,699
2023
$18,080 (+4.9%)
$1,222,510 + $305,627
$1,528,137
2022
$17,230 (+271.0%)
$1,198,540 + $299,635
$1,498,175
2021
$4,645 (−1.0%)
$1,175,040 + $293,760
$1,468,800
2020
$4,692 (+4.1%)
$326,250 + $60,106
$386,356
2019
$4,506 (+0.6%)
$322,905 + $59,490
$382,395
2018
$4,477 (+2.2%)
$316,574 + $58,324
$374,898
2017
$4,380 (+2.3%)
$304,282 + $56,060
$360,342
2016
$4,283 (+1.5%)
$304,282 + $56,060
$360,342
2015
$4,221 (−0.5%)
$298,316 + $54,961
$353,277
2014
$4,242 (+0.9%)
$288,081 + $53,076
$341,157
2012
$4,205 (+3.5%)
$286,780 + $52,837
$339,617
2011
$4,063 (−1.2%)
$281,157 + $51,801
$332,958
2010
$4,114 (+3.9%)
$275,645 + $50,786
$326,431
2009
$3,959 (+4.6%)
$273,585 + $50,407
$323,992
2008
$3,786
$274,235 + $50,527
$324,762
Tax history for 491 Mesa Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$18,623 (+1.0%)
$1,246,960 + $311,739
$1,558,699
2024
$18,440 (+2.0%)
$1,246,960 + $311,739
$1,558,699
2023
$18,080 (+4.9%)
$1,222,510 + $305,627
$1,528,137
2022
$17,230 (+271.0%)
$1,198,540 + $299,635
$1,498,175
2021
$4,645 (−1.0%)
$1,175,040 + $293,760
$1,468,800
2020
$4,692 (+4.1%)
$326,250 + $60,106
$386,356
2019
$4,506 (+0.6%)
$322,905 + $59,490
$382,395
2018
$4,477 (+2.2%)
$316,574 + $58,324
$374,898
2017
$4,380 (+2.3%)
$304,282 + $56,060
$360,342
2016
$4,283 (+1.5%)
$304,282 + $56,060
$360,342
2015
$4,221 (−0.5%)
$298,316 + $54,961
$353,277
2014
$4,242 (+0.9%)
$288,081 + $53,076
$341,157
2012
$4,205 (+3.5%)
$286,780 + $52,837
$339,617
2011
$4,063 (−1.2%)
$281,157 + $51,801
$332,958
2010
$4,114 (+3.9%)
$275,645 + $50,786
$326,431
2009
$3,959 (+4.6%)
$273,585 + $50,407
$323,992
2008
$3,786
$274,235 + $50,527
$324,762
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Permits
Beds
—
Baths
1
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
2,457 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1936
Sq. Ft.
523
Year built
1936
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Los Angeles County
APN
4410016041
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 28, 2026.
Dec 22, 2022 • Final
Bldg-alter/repair
Remodel a kitchen and bathroom in a residential building. Replace drywall without adding new walls or making structural changes. Perform related electrical, heating, and plumbing work.
Bathroom
Electrical
Kitchen
Plumbing
Remodel
Mar 7, 2022 • Active
Bldg-alter/repair
Perform voluntary underpinning on an existing single-family home and attached garage.
Remodel
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Directions: PCH to W Channel Road east to Mesa Road
Public facts
Beds: —
Baths: 1.0
Sq. Ft.: 523
Stories: —
Lot Size: 2,457 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1936
Year Renovated: 1936
County: Los Angeles County
APN: 4410016041
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 28, 2026
Other
Documents & Disclosures
Disclosures: Other
Around this home
Schools
Canyon Elementary School
Charter K-5 • Assigned • 0.4mi
10/10
Paul Revere Middle School
Charter 6-8 • Assigned • 1.9mi
9/10
Palisades Charter High School
Charter 9-12 • Assigned • 1.2mi
9/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
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