Artistic Soul Wanted For Offbeat Venice Pad

VENICE, CA — In a town that prides itself on the individualism, this artist's pad is the embodiment of the Venice spirit.

It was the one-time home of famed sculptor Al Bengston and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” screenwriter Melissa Mathison, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The eclectic compound itself is a riot of color and it includes a main house, a two-story guest house and a large artists loft with soaring ceilings and spectacular natural light. The compound is situated around a long lap pool.

Address: 805 Hampton Dr, Venice, California

• Price: $5,495,000
• Square Feet:
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 6 Full and 3 Half Baths
• Built: 1911
• Features: Former Artist in Residence compound of legendary artist Billy Al Bengston, icon of the early L.A. Arts scene in the 60's. Walled and gated Frank Gehry-like assemblage of buildings consisting of four separate structures including single story main house, two story guest house, large scale artist loft with soaring ceilings and multi-car garage plus separate storage/workshop building. Romantic master bedroom with beautiful remodeled bath, walk-in closet and fireplace opens through French doors to long lap pool and magical, private grounds. Numerous other spaces and amenities too extensive to detail. Flexible in use, this eclectic walled and gated village situated on an oversized lot (9,570 Sq Ft/assessor) in the heart of the Venice Artists Loft District is ideal as a live/work environment. Close to Abbot Kinney, the Boardwalk and the beach. Rare offering.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.