Property of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Solton, Beverly Hills, California | Architect: William R. Stephenson

11/29/2025 08:36:00 PM

Surprising and sudden as it always seems, small children grow into big ones. Unexpectedly the house is hopping with their teen-age projects, parties and friends along with the activities of their enthusiastic if less lively parents. These are the flourishing years of family life, the years that can be the best, as well as the busiest if the house works equally well for both generations. If it doesn't, it may seem as if bedlam were built in.

Key to the success of this house is that it gives a fair share of independence and privacy to both parents and children. Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Solton have a daughter Jamie, 16 and a son Steve, 18. For their Beverly Hills home they firmly stipulated a playroom and patio for the teenagers, a bed-sitting room and terrace for themselves. The family shares the major rooms, of course, as it shares most interests and activities, and also has fun around the landscaped pool, and outdoor areas. But when the young people want to rock 'n roll and play Ricky Nelson they have their own territory to do it in and they can charge in and out of the playroom without disturbing their parents. Each generation also has complete individual privacy in the well secluded bedrooms. The Soltons say the plan works perfectly. They want their children to enjoy dancing and swimming parties at home and to be able to have overnight and week-end guests. And they entertain a great deal themselves. In this happy household both generations can enjoy these pleasures painlessly.