Alan Kay, who’s been referred to as one of the “fathers of the personal computer,” alongside his wife, Bonnie MacBird, an author known for her Sherlock Holmes novels and the original screenwriter for the movie “TRON” — are selling their longtime Los Angeles home for $7 million.
Located in the upscale Brentwood Heights area, this has been their residence for more than 30 years. Kay, 83, purchased the home in 1989 for $1.7 million, records show.
It is named The Contrapuntal House after the home’s iconic Contrapuntal Performance Hall — a diligently designed two-story concert hall and an 8,000-book library with a secret room.
The hall can be transformed into a dance floor or a performance venue, the listing explains, adding that “luminaries from the music, literary, computer, art and entertainment worlds have enjoyed performances here.”
The upper-level custom-designed library features alcoves for reading — and one secret spot that’s a particular perk.
“A secret bookcase door hidden within the library opens to a transformative space for a children’s playroom or art storage area,” the listing adds.
Over the years, the home, which occupies over 5,300 square feet, has expanded.
Designed by renowned Southern California architect John Byers, features include an expansive living area with soaring and beamed ceilings, skylights and a designer fireplace featuring Malibu tiles.
The open floor plan then leads to a dining room with a wall of French doors and private garden views. Adjacent is a gallery.
The gourmet country kitchen features skylights, and boasts garden and pool views.
The five-room primary suite features a marble fireplace, a large walk-in closet and a bathroom in marble and Malibu tile with a deep soaking tub and a private water closet, the listing notes.
Connected to the bedroom is a gym with French Orangerie detailing and a “Japanese-style Zen retreat for meditation, massage, or creative inspiration.”
Additional amenities include a recreational room, an office and a cottage-style guest house.
Outdoor features of The Contrapuntal House include sycamores, mature avocado and fruit trees, and a rose garden.
There is also a lighted tennis court and a kidney-shaped pool along with al fresco dining areas.
Matt Witek at Compass holds the listing.
Kay, a computer scientist, led the design and development of the first modern windowed computer desktop interface when he worked at Xerox PARC — a division of Xerox tasked with creating computer-technology-related products.
