Emma Wilson
There are several houses referred to as the Mushroom House. One Mushroom House is located in La Jolla, San Diego, California, and was designed by architect Dale Naegle in 1965 or 1968 for Sam Bell, the owner of Bell's Potato Chips. It is located at the bottom of a 300-foot cliff, below Bell's summer home, and was used as a guest house. It is also known as the Bell Pavilion. Another Mushroom House is located in Perinton, New York, and was constructed for an attorney-artist couple between 1970 and 1972. This house was designated a town landmark in 1989.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Mushroom House |
| Other Names | Bell's Pavilion, Bell Pavilion House, Pod House |
| Location | Blacks Beach, La Jolla, San Diego, California |
| Owner | University of California San Diego (UCSD), possibly |
| Previous Owners | Sam Bell, Buzz Woolley |
| Architect | Dale Naegle, Dan Neagle, or Dal Nagle |
| Year Built | 1965 or 1968 |
| Style | Futuristic, mushroom-shaped |
| Features | Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, private beach, tramway, concrete perimeter |
| Status | Not abandoned, but not in use |
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What You'll Learn
The Mushroom House's history
There are several houses referred to as the Mushroom House.
The Mushroom House in La Jolla, San Diego, California
The Mushroom House in La Jolla, San Diego, California, is also known as the Bell Pavilion House. It was originally designed and built in the 1960s by Dale Naegle for Sam Bell, the owner of Bell's Potato Chips and heir to General Mills. The house sits below a 300-foot cliff and has a unique, mushroom-like shape. It was originally a guest house for Bell's summer home, which was located on top of the cliffs overlooking Black's Beach. The house was built to withstand tough conditions such as earthquakes and was made mostly of concrete. It featured three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a private section of the beach accessible during low tide.
The Mushroom House has had a varied ownership history. In 2015, it was purchased by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Buzz Woolley for $4 million. It is currently said to be owned by the University of California San Diego (UCSD), which occasionally allows faculty or administrative staff to spend time there. However, there are also rumours that an unknown philanthropist in San Diego might own the home.
The Mushroom House in Perinton, New York
The Mushroom House or Pod House in Perinton, New York, is a contemporary residence that has been featured in television programs and books due to its whimsical appearance. The house was constructed for an attorney-artist couple, Robert and Marguerite Antell, between 1970 and 1972 and was designated a town landmark in 1989. The structure is sited in a moderately wooded ravine adjacent to Powder Mills Park and comprises four 80-ton pods that rest on reinforced concrete stems of 14 to 20 feet in height. One pod serves as the living and dining area, one as the kitchen, and two as sleeping areas.
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Ownership
The Mushroom House, also known as the Bell Pavilion House, is a unique structure located in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The house was designed by architect Dale Naegle and built in the late 1960s for Sam Bell, the owner of Bell's Potato Chips and heir to General Mills. The house is characterised by its distinctive mushroom-like shape, which was intended to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and rockslides. It served as a guest house for Bell's summer home, which was located on top of the cliffs overlooking Blacks Beach.
Over the years, the ownership of the Mushroom House has changed hands several times. Initially, the house was owned by Sam Bell, who commissioned its construction. However, in 2015, the house was purchased by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Buzz Woolley for $4 million. More recently, it has been rumoured that the University of California San Diego (UCSD) owns the property and occasionally allows faculty and administrative staff to use it for relaxation. There are also speculations that an unknown philanthropist in San Diego might be the current owner.
The Mushroom House is not the only structure with this distinctive design. Another Mushroom House, also known as the Pod House, is located in Perinton, New York. This residence was constructed for an attorney-artist couple, Robert and Marguerite Antell, between 1970 and 1972. The house is comprised of four 80-ton pods that rest on reinforced concrete stems, giving it a whimsical, mushroom-like appearance. This unique structure has been featured in television programs and books due to its unusual design.
The original Mushroom House in La Jolla, despite being rumoured as abandoned, seems to be maintained and owned by various entities over time. The house has become a symbol of La Jolla's vibrant beach culture, attracting surfers, tourists, and locals with its intriguing architecture and history. Its ownership has been a topic of interest and speculation among the residents and visitors of La Jolla.
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Architecture and design
The Mushroom House in La Jolla, San Diego, California, is an iconic landmark known for its unique, mushroom-like shape. The house was originally designed and built in the 1960s by architect Dale Naegle for Sam Bell, the owner of Bell's Potato Chips and heir to General Mills. Bell wanted an ultra-futuristic guest house that could withstand tough conditions such as earthquakes and tidal waves. The house is made mostly of concrete and features a beautiful upper deck that overlooks the ocean. It is located below a 300-foot cliff and is accessible via a tramway or elevator from the main house above.
The Mushroom House's distinctive shape has made it a symbol of La Jolla's vibrant beach culture. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a private section of Black's Beach accessible during low tide. The house is currently owned by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and is occasionally used by faculty or administrative staff for relaxation.
Another Mushroom House, also known as the Pod House, is located in Perinton, New York. This residence was constructed for an attorney-artist couple, Robert and Marguerite Antell, between 1970 and 1972. The house is comprised of four 80-ton pods that rest on reinforced concrete stems ranging from 14 to 20 feet in height. Each pod serves a different function, with one for living and dining, one for the kitchen, and two as sleeping areas. The sides of each pod's "cap" are entirely windowed, offering unique views of the surrounding area. The Pod House's brown colour and overall design were inspired by umbels of Queen Anne's Lace.
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Accessing the house
The Mushroom House in La Jolla, San Diego, is accessible to the public, but entry into the house is prohibited. The house is located at the bottom of a 300-foot cliff at the south of Black's Beach.
To get to the Mushroom House, you can take the Ho Chi Minh Trail or hike down the paved road just north of the house. Once you arrive at the beach, go south, and you will find the house.
The house was originally only accessible via a tramway or funicular from the main house at the top of the cliff. This tramway is no longer operational, but you can still see the remains of the escalator at the top of the cliff.
The Mushroom House is a unique, mushroom-shaped building designed by architect Dale Nagle in 1968 to withstand rockslides, earthquakes, and waves. It was originally built as a guest house for Sam Bell, the owner of Bell's Potato Chips, who had a summer home at the top of the cliff. The house features three bedrooms and three bathrooms and offers a 180-degree view from Torrey Pines State Park to La Jolla.
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The house's current state
The Mushroom House, also known as the Bell Pavilion House, is located on Black's Beach in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The house was designed by architect Dale Naegle and built between 1965 and 1968 for Sam Bell, the owner of Bell's Potato Chips. The unique, mushroom-like shape of the house was intended to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and rockslides. The house is made mostly of concrete and features an upper deck that overlooks the ocean.
Over the years, the Mushroom House has changed hands several times. In 2015, it was purchased by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Buzz Woolley for $4 million. Today, the house is reportedly owned by the University of California San Diego (UCSD), which occasionally allows faculty and staff to use it for relaxation. However, there are also rumours that an unknown philanthropist in San Diego might own the property.
The Mushroom House is currently not abandoned, but it is also not in use. It is considered private property and cannot be entered by the public. However, the hike to the house and its perimeter are open to visitors. The house has become a symbol of La Jolla's vibrant beach culture, attracting surfers, tourists, and locals with its unusual architecture.
The house features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a private section of Black's Beach accessible only during low tide. The original design included a 300-foot tramway from the main house above, which is no longer functional. The concrete perimeter circling the base of the house's 100-foot centre column was added after the house was built.
The Mushroom House in La Jolla should not be confused with another Mushroom House or Pod House in Perinton, New York. The New York residence was constructed for an attorney-artist couple between 1970 and 1972 and was designated a town landmark in 1989. It features four 80-ton pods that rest on reinforced concrete stems, with fully windowed sides.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mushroom House in La Jolla, San Diego, is said to be abandoned, but some sources claim that it is owned by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and used as a place for professors and administrators to take a sabbatical.
The Mushroom House was originally owned by Sam Bell, heir to General Mills and owner of Bell's Potato Chips. It was later owned by entrepreneur Buzz Woolley, who purchased it for $4 million in 2015.
The Mushroom House was designed by architect Dale Naegle and built between 1965 and 1968.
The Mushroom House gets its name from its unique shape, which resembles a mushroom. It is made mostly of concrete and features an upper deck that overlooks the ocean. The house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The Mushroom House is located at the bottom of a 300-foot cliff at Black's Beach in San Diego. While the house itself is private property, the hike and perimeter of the home are open to the public.
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