Celebrity Real Estate: Pianist to the Presidents Roger Williams Former Encino Mid Century Modern Home Available

[Update June 5, 2012]: This home sold on May 24, 2012 for $1.6 million after sitting on the market for roughly 1.5 months.

[Original Post]:

Images above courtesy Keller Williams

Hot off the presses from the fine folks at LA Curbed comes word of Roger Williams' former mid century modern home for sale in Encino for $1,600,000. At the time of this writing, this home is currently under a pending status after barely being listed on the market for 1 day. This suggest the strong desirability of this property considering that similar homes are selling in the $2 - $3 million despite the current condition of this property. 

Roger Williams is best known as the Pianist to the Presidents having played for nine administrations beginning with Harry S. Truman. His last White House performance was in November 2008 for a luncheon hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. Williams is also known for having recorded the hit song Autumn Leaves in 1955 which was the only piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard's popular music chart. Williams past way on October 8, 2011 due to a battle with pancreatic cancer which was one week after his 87th birthday. 

According to the listing, this 4 Bed/3.25 Bath, 4,960 sqft home on 0.45acres built in 1966 states:

Former Roger Williams Estate in coveted Royal Oaks where the masterpieces of music were created. .. .beginning with "Autumn Leaves" and ending with "Somewhere in Time". .. .Fabulous Mid-Century 4 bedroom+4 bathroom w/ recording studio, 2 car garage, beautiful pool and views! First time on the market in 46 years and waiting for your buyer's touches! Terrazzo floors in the entry way with floor to ceiling glass in the living room, entry, family room and master suite. .. .dynamic views of the Mulholland Corridor over-looking the SFV, high ceilings, bright and spacious. The huge master suite is complete with a gentleman's walk-in wardrobe, adjoining master bath w/ soaking bath, steam shower and ladies' oversized dressing area. Two nice sized room w/ jack and jill bath, maid's qtrs with 3/4 bath, butler pantry and laundry room. Indoor sauna with access to sparkling pool, sport court and stunning views and recording studio off the two car garage. This is a must see and will go fast!!

I am not sure when and how much Roger Williams acquired this property. However its likely that he purchased in the 60s based on the look of the house and from the pics below which show him in the house at a younger age.  

Image courtesy Roger Williams Official Site

Image courtesy Roger Williams Official Site

According to property records, Roger Williams also owned the house directly across the street which was sold on July 24, 2003 for $825,000 with the purchase date and price unknown. According to the LA Times, this home was purchased "After he married Louise De Carlo in 1985, they maintained houses across the street from each other in Encino, an idiosyncrasy nigh-owl Williams attributed to conflicting schedules. They eventually divorced." (LA Times, October 9, 2011; Roger Williams Dies at 87; 'Autumn Leave' Pop Pianst Found Commercial Success')

Image courtesy Google Maps. Home with orange "A" marker is currently for sale., red marker was sold in 2003.

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