542 Altair Place is a rare jewel and a standout Venice architectural residence originally designed owned and occupied by renowned architect Steven Shortridge.
Shortridge created this home as a personal expression of thoughtful design, emphasizing continuity over time and a strong connection between interiors and the outdoor landscape. Warm Douglas fir ceilings with a refined ceiling reveal, custom cabinetry throughout, and a sculptural floating staircase reflect a level of craftsmanship seldom found in residential architecture. The home balances intimacy, light, and connection to the outdoors.
Though modest in scale, thoughtfully composed outdoor living environments extend the residence beyond its interior footprint, inviting year-round enjoyment of Southern California’s climate. The grounds feature multiple intimate settings, anchored by two gas-fired fire pit lounges and a serene water feature—ideal for entertaining and retreat.
The landscape was designed by acclaimed landscape architect Jay Griffith, transforming the property into a private sanctuary deeply integrated with the architecture. After purchasing the property directly from Shortridge in 2013, the current owner commissioned him to design a second-floor addition. Shortridge created a cantilevered, floating second story and incorporated state of the art sound-proofed windows throughout the home to create a still and serene environment. This true architectural masterpiece was the last project Shortridge worked on before his untimely passing.
This two-bedroom, two-bath retreat offers a quiet, calming atmosphere with abundant natural light and views of surrounding greenery. The downstairs bedroom—currently used as a living and music space—features a sliding pocket door that preserves vintage character while offering flexibility and privacy. The upstairs suite includes heated flooring and a radiant-heated balcony.
The kitchen preserves the home’s original character with original window casings integrated into refined contemporary cabinetry and a curated suite of premium appliances.
Additional features include one-car parking with EV charging, undergrounded electrical wiring, and whole house water purification system. Ideally located just blocks from Abbot Kinney Boulevard and moments from the beach, canals, and the coastal lifestyle that define Venice living.
Property will be active and ready to view February 9th.
542 Altair is a Residential Single Family Residence property located in Venice, California, featuring a 0.062 acre lot, 1,106 sqft, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, MLS #SB26013568.
Based on information from one of the following Multiple Listing Services: CRMLS. Information being provided is for the visitor’s personal, noncommercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. The data contained herein is copyrighted by Trestle and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources, is approximate, and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. For the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of such measurements.
Data last modified: 2026-02-09 08:38:17