When most people begin their search for a new home, they generally have a pretty decent idea of what they’re looking for. They know how much space they need in order to be comfortable. They know how many bedrooms and bathrooms they want. They know the parts of town they prefer. And most of the time they know the style they’re looking for.  Part of the challenge which keeps my job ever-changing is helping my clients find their perfect space. No two clients are the same.

I also happen to love architecture, most especially modernist design. From Art Moderne to Mid-Century Modern, and from Contemporary to Post Modern...that’s the stuff that makes me drool. And when I get to help clients who have an eye for something a little different, my job is that much more fun.

Recently, my friends Lalita and Garland approached me and asked if I could help them find a home. Let me start by saying that these friends and I are somewhat like-minded. We all understood that we weren’t really “normal,” that we’re kind of “misfits,”  and that we collectively might have a full deck. And we like homes with a funky quirk and a good vibe.

We all knew that once we found the perfect home, there wouldn’t be a question about it.  After several weeks and a number of near misses, the search was looking less and less hopeful. We’d found a few homes that they had liked, but perhaps the square footage wasn’t right, the bathrooms weren’t configured to their liking, or the home lacked the fireplace they really wanted. But...patience is key when you’re waiting for the right thing.

Then it happened. Seemingly out of nowhere…THE home…and a “For Sale by Owner” sign. Though working for a buyer and negotiating directly with a seller has a huge set of challenges not in place when I’m dealing with another agent, I knew my clients would love it and should go after this one.

From the outside, it had an understated 1950’s design, yet had terrific modernist characteristics. A one-owner home on a splendid lot with a walkout basement, gorgeous cork flooring, post-and-beam constructed living room with those huge expanses of glass my clients were looking for, and obviously loved meticulously. I was able to contact the owner so my friends could tour the home. They fell in love with it instantly, and after a few days of tense negotiations, we arrived at a set of acceptable terms. A few weeks later my clients were the proud owners of a spectacular Mid-Century Modern home in Devonshire. 

6208 Landborough S. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220

 Prepare to be blown away. The classic Mid-Mentury Modern stone exterior with its wide eaves and tall windows belies the breathtaking pagoda-like interior of this ranch home. A 1964 Home Show home, there are details and design elements that you've been waiting for. Soaring ceiling w/ stone fireplace, an award-winning kitchen renovation, cork flooring, dramatic lighting, in-ground gunite pool w/ back yard paradise. 4 BRs, 2.5 Bth. Large 2-car Garage. It must be seen to be fully-appreciated!

North Christian Church

I'm not sure where I picked up the affinity. Perhaps it was when I was a kid and my parents would take me to Columbus, Indiana to visit family friends. We'd drive by Eero Saarinen's "oil can church" and visit the Commons, usually grabbing lunch at "the Greeks."

Maybe it was my exposure in college to the finest Graphic Design of the Mid 20th Century. My professors were steeped in the works of Swiss Graphic Design, and I learned very early on to respect the Deacons of Design: (including but not limited to) Paul Rand, Massimo Vignelli, Armin Hoffman and Josef Müller-Brockmann.

I was not the least bit surprised to learn that what I now consider "modernist" architecture had roots in the late 19th and early 20th Century in Central and Northern Europe. I am especially fond of the Bauhaus, with its influences on and by such notable Architects as Walter Gropius (the founder of Bauhaus), Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra, Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson.

Bauhaus

Those clean lines, flat roofs, expanses of glass, the use of utilitarian materials, and the unification of the building with the space it occupies - including a respect for the landscape - inspire me to this day. Many of these Architects also designed furniture, lighting and other fixtures which fit the aesthetic of the buildings they created.

Whether it was my early exposure to the Architecture of the day as a child or my involvement with the Graphic Design of the era during my years at IU, I am to this day enamored with and absolutely love Modernist design.

(Photo of North Christian Church ©2005 Greg Hume, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license. Photo of the Bauhaus School has been released into the public domain by its author, Mewes.)

SEE THE FULL LISTING SHEET HERE.

SOLD in 25 days!

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SOLD $171,500
2602 Baur Drive., Indianapolis, IN 46220

Fabulous Mid-Mod home is truly unique! Open upper level provides loft-style living area, hardwood floors throughout, tons of huge windows, amazing light, new bath with custom cherry cabinets. Perfect for the style-minded gearhead, with climate controlled 3-car workshop in addition to 2-car built-in garage! Gorgeous landscaping on 1.5 lots. Quiet, stable neighborhood close to Broad Ripple. Home warranty included. Inspection already done--free copy to buyer! From Keystone & Kessler, E on Kessler 1 block, S on Tacoma, E on Baur.

(Listing Courtesy RE/MAX Legends Group)

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660 E. 82nd Street., Indianapolis, IN 46240

Wow...come look at this home. Nice location with some updates in place! This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property. Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing. This property is approved for HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing College Avenue South of 86th, West on 82nd to 3rd house on right side of street.

OFF THE MARKET. DID NOT SELL AT $134,900

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SOLD $85,900
947 E. Cragmont Drive., Indianapolis, IN 46227

Classic contemporary California ranch in an excellent area of Perry! Bright sun-drenched living room with extra large window and inviting Dining Room just perfect for entertaining. Great step saver kitchen with loads of cabinets and lots of counter space! Spacious bedrooms with large closets and all rooms have vaulted ceilings and sheltered windows. All located on a lush green fenced lot with mature landscaping. A warm unique home for someone looking for something better that the ordinary.

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318 E. Southport Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227
$150,000 

This fabulous 60's home is true to era! The entry features a glass block wall and original tile work. 10 rms,4 bdrms, 3.5 baths, plus a bonus rm! The Indiana limestone fireplace in the family rm is truly a work of art! Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, 11 closets, built-in's throughout, partial basement, and pontential in-law quarters add value to this home. All appliances stay. Some restoration or upgrades may be desired. Owner loves the originality and is selling home "as is." 31 North to Southport Rd. House 2 blocks from 31 on north side of street.

OFF THE MARKET.

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SOLD $320,000
6105 Shawnee Tr., Indianapolis, IN 46220

Amazing 1951 Evans Woollen original mid-century modern home nestled into the most stunning back drop in the city.1.45 acre parcel is an oasis w/sweeping forest views & shaded tree canopy above.Full 2-stry expanse of glass blurs the line btwn indoor & outdoor living.Home is in pristine, original condition, & features:Terrazzo floors,block walls,gallery overlooking living space w/original spiral stair, raised ceilings & flr to clg glass walls. MSTR wing w/rec rm below, also designed by Woollen. East on 62nd St from Binford Blvd to Rucker Road. South to Orchard Hill. East on Orchard Hill to Shawnee Trail, to home.

(Listing Courtesy Keller Williams Indy North)

As always, if you or someone you know is interested in seeing one of these homes in person, please call me directly at 317-413-8501 or shoot me an email at joe@macduffrealty.com

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835 W. 53rd St, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Looking for something more unique than you've been seeing? This is it! Mid-century Modern 3BR/2BA Home w/Sophisticated Open Flr Pln*Step-down Family Rm Makes a Great Getaway*Living Rm Features Vaulted Clg & Dbl-sided Frplc*Dining Rm Open to Kitchen & Conveniently Located off the Living Rm*Spacious Kitchen Boasts Lots of Storage Space*Mstr Suite w/Private Full Bath*Two Spacious Guest Bdrms*Guest Full Bath w/Custom Tile*Hrdwds*Private Back Deck w/Pergola - Perfect for Entertaining or Just Relaxing From Meridian St, go west on Westfield Blvd to 53rd St. Turn right to go over bridge & follow to house on left.

OFF THE MARKET. DID NOT SELL.

(Listing Courtesy F. C. Tucker Company)

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6105 Shawnee Tr., Indianapolis, IN 46220 $399,900 PRICE REDUCED TO $375,000

Amazing 1951 Evans Woollen original mid-century modern home nestled into the most stunning back drop in the city.1.45 acre parcel is an oasis w/sweeping forest views & shaded tree canopy above.Full 2-stry expanse of glass blurs the line btwn indoor & outdoor living.Home is in pristine, original condition, & features:Terrazzo floors,block walls,gallery overlooking living space w/original spiral stair, raised ceilings & flr to clg glass walls. MSTR wing w/rec rm below, also designed by Woollen. East on 62nd St from Binford Blvd to Rucker Road. South to Orchard Hill. East on Orchard Hill to Shawnee Trail, to home.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing Courtesy Keller Williams Indy North)

Make no mistake: women see and experience the world differently than their masculine counterparts. Speaking in very general terms, a woman's sense for space and organization, her intuitive appreciation for "home" and connectedness, and her ability to appreciate light and color and comfort rival most men by a long shot.

But it certainly was a man's world in the early 1950's in oh-so-conservative Carmel, Indiana. That is, until Avriel came along. Born Avriel Joy Christie in 1933, this young lass would soon grow to become the eccentric designer and builder of local legend. Stories abound of a bikini-clad Avriel showing up to job sites - a cigarette in one hand and a paint brush in the other - rattling the cages of the construction crews. Oh, how I would love to have known her.

I am suddenly reminded of a Rumi poem, part of which says:
"I'm tired of cowards. I want to live with lions. With Moses.
Not whining, teary people. I want the ranting of drunkards. I want to sing like birds sing, not worrying who hears, or what they think."

I get the sense that Avriel didn't particularly care what the good ol' boys thought of her. She lived with lions.

Avriel married journalist Richard K. Shull in 1951, and their wedding was featured in LIFE Magazine. 

After attending Butler University and the John Herron School of Art - graduating from neither - she set about designing her first home in Carmel. Known as "The Golden Unicorn," it set the stage for what would be a series of home, condominium, library, restaurant and commercial space designs spanning the next 20+ years.

Soon after her first home design, she platted her family's land in Carmel. That property is now known as "Christie's Thornhurst Addition," and is still home to some original owners,. The entire neighborhood is working its way through the process of becoming a spot on the National Register of Historic Places (thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of local preservationist phenom Connie Ziegler and her company, CResources).

Between 1956 and 1971, Avriel designed and built 21 homes in Thornhurst. Avriel designed Ladywood Estates for its developer Fred Capp in 1965. She also produced homes in such Indianapolis neighborhoods as Springmill Estates, Williams Creek Heights, Somerset Hills, Devon Woods, Meridian Hills, Woodbrook Downs, Village Farms, Eden Forest, and Williston Green. Apartments she designed include Somerset Lakes (73^rd Street and Keystone Avenue). Shull also designed homes built in Evansville, South Bend, Cool Creek, and Brownsburg, Indiana. (1)

Sadly, Avriel passed away in 1976 from complications of Diabetes.

Our world needs more women like Avriel, driven by fun and fury and passion, not afraid to challenge the norm and bring her vision into our world of beige and bland living and working spaces.

Remember, too, that if you're interested in seeing any of these homes, please call me directly at 317-413-8501. Or, email me at joe@macduffrealty.com. Not all of these homes are listed by MacDuff Realty Group, and I am publishing them here as a service to my clients and friends.

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9250 Kinlock Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46256
$350,000 

What a stunner! This Mid-Century Modern home stands intact and ready for your personalization. Outstanding 2-story Great Room with views of the surrounding forest. It's a house in the trees, with spectacular views from each of the 3/4 bedrooms (den can work as bedroom with a simple door addition), Master can be up w/fireplace or on the main level. Finished lower level walkout. Clean, dry storage basement with lifetime warranty waterproofing. Massive deck. Wildlife abounds. Full of natural light.

SEE THE VIRTUAL TOUR HERE.

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6500 Amber Crest, Indianapolis, IN 46220
SOLD for $665,000. Closed July 21, 2010

An O. C. Winters original. I wrote about this one last week. This is a stupendous example of what mid-century modern architecture and design can mean. Some questionable updates notwithstanding, this home is overflowing with true-to-period details and materials. It retains original lighting, slate, formica, casework...what a gem.

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5219 Nob Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46226
$124,900

Design by Avriel Shull! Priced to sell quick! Enjoy this beautiful condo--over 2000 sq ft of gleaming hardwoods, limestone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows! Just a minute to Interstate, shopping, restaurants, coffee, etc! Beautifully maintained & ready to call home! Best deal on the Northside! Enjoy maintenance-free living today! From 56th & Emerson, north on Emerson to Ladywood Estates, Ladywood Drive to Nob Lane.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing courtesy F. C. Tucker Company)

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SALE PENDING!
5208 Nob Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46226
$108,900

Another Avriel Shull design in Ladywood. Mid-Century modern Avriel Shull-designed complex. Rolling hills, mature trees, green space! Soaring ceilings, windows-atop-windows underline light & airy design complemented by rich paneling & the texture of stone fireplace. Hardwood floors gleam. Sparkling white kitchen open to family-dining combo. This end unit has great, fenced yard & patio in a condo! Assoc mows inside privacy fence! Basement with high ceilings. 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Never share your bath! Loft/landg. 2 car att garages. Great location. All appl+ water softener. From 56th & Emerson south to Ladywood, west to 1st right, follow around to 5208 on left. (Listing Courtesy F. C. Tucker)

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1200 East King Street, Franklin, IN 46131
$214,900 

Amazing house, very contemporary, bright, open. Full walls of windows grace this beauty, both in front & back! Soaring ceilings in grt rm w/its cozy frpl, blt-in bookshelves. In the heart of the home is the expansive kit with massive counter space, incl brk bar, center work isle. Gleaming hdwds in area currently used as dining room has see-thru frpl, could be family rm/rec rm. All this overlooks beautiful back yard with cabana/pool house w/elec. 35x40 det gar w/office/workshop, heat, A/C, water. I-65 to Franklin exit, West to home or East on Jefferson from US 31 to Forsythe, North to King, East to home.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing courtesy Carpenter, REALTORS®)

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1204 East King Street, Franklin, IN  46131
SOLD

3 Bedroom ranch with 1.5 BA in great neighborhood. I-65 South to ST. RD. 44 (King St.) to home. This is a bank foreclosure that needs some love. It appears as though there have been some updates, but the bones look good. The elevation is very cute. Nice big trees. Lots of natural light.

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109 Morgan Street, Mooresville, IN 46158
$119,900

GORGEOUS 3 bedroom / 1 bath with an unfinished basement! Spacious galley kitchen with breakfast room and breakfast bar...new tile flooring too! NEW CARPET and fresh paint in living room and all bedrooms! WINDOWS GALORE! The exterior is amenity in itself...fully fenced in with a LARGE outbuilding with utilities (still to be finished, with materials onsite!). The backyard is perfected through a wood deck with built-in bench seats and a covered patio! From Main Street/Indiana Street. Take Indiana to Morgan Street and turn Left. Home is on the Left.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing Courtesy Keller Williams Realty Indy SW)

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4454 North Warwick Road, Martinsville, IN 46151
$239,000 

Spectacular home on spacious wooded lot gives you the feel of country living! Open concept, large living room, great room divided by stone wall fireplace. Delightful kitchen, master suite that will astound you. Great for entertaining. Clubhouse, private pool, lakes, tennis. This is truly the vacation you come home to only 30 minutes from Indy. Golf membership available for 18-hole championship course From Indy take SR 37 S, then west at Marathon to Maple Turn Rd & turn right. Follow to main entrance to Foxcliff north, first road, turn left then right on Foxcliff West Dr, follow to Warwick, turn left & follow to home on left

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing Courtesy Sadler Real Estate)

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11412 Niagara Drive, Fishers, IN 46037
$349,000

On its own, this house would be a no-brainer. However, this home is tucked into the middle of an early 2000's subdivision. I expect that this house was originally on a large parcel that was sold to a developer and the owner chose to keep the house intact. Good news for the house. Unfortunately what they built around it is less than beautiful.

5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Hardwood floors throughout living room, dining room & kitchen. Living room features vaulted ceiling w/floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Living room has HUGE windows & is open to screened patio & large upper level deck. Lower level walk out has 2 bedrooms, full bath, HUGE family room w/office for two, & HUGE storage area. From 116th & Cumberland Rd - East on 116th, right into Spyglass Falls on Klotz Farm, right on Nigara, home is on right.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing courtesy Indiana Realty One LLC)

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3961 N Foxcliff Drive West, Martinsville, IN 46151
$339,900

Solid, well-maintained 4BR home on one of the largest lakefront lots in Foxcliff. Water on two sides, mature trees, dock. Priced to sell. St. Rd. 37 S. to Old St. Rd. 37 (Marathon). Turn rt., go over bridge, turn rt. onto Mapleturn Rd. Rt. at 5th Rd.--Main Foxcliff Entrance (stone gates). Take 1st left...to Foxcliff Dr. W. Home on the right.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE. (Listing courtesy of Real Living Town & Country) 

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221 East 70th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
$650,000 - WITHDRAWN

THIS PROPERTY WAS RELISTED IN NOVEMBER 2010. For more info, SEE THIS POST.

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7034 N. Washington Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46220
OFF THE MARKET

From Main Street/Indiana Street. Take Indiana to Morgan Street and turn Left. Home is on the Left.

HERE IS THE FULL LISTING.

(Listing Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Indy SW)

This particular home has 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths and has approximately 3,100 square feet.

I'm anxious to get inside for a peek. More info will be posted as it becomes available.

HERE IS THE FULL LISTING.

(Listing Courtesy Carpenter REALTORS®)