Motown great Smokey Robinson has cut a mighty swath in the world of music as a singer, songwriter and producer, but he’s also had an enormous influence beyond the world of music. Robinson’s stellar career and mythical standing is evident in the beautiful residences he has owned through the years. These homes are not mere dwellings—they’re housing-complexes of architectural prowess, socio-political importance, and enduring aesthetics.
We’ll examine their history, design and cultural significance, savoring the opposing styles that make them so special.
The Southfield House: A Midcentury Modern Gem
Historical Context of Northland Gardens
Smokey Robinson’s former home, in Southfield, Mich., is in the Northland Gardens subdivision, a National Historic District that received official designation in 2020. This is an area known for its strong design quality and all its ties, and its history.
Northland Gardens is emblematic of the postwar suburban development boom, period of architectural innovation. Houses in this subdivision embody the aspirational spirit of that postwar era, and Robinson’s house exemplifies the Mid-Century Modern Ranch style that defined modern living during the period.
Architectural Style & Design
The Southfield house, built in 1958, is a prime example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. This style is characterized by clean lines, open floor plans and a seamless integration with nature. Its asymmetrical U-shaped houses, which surround a courtyard with an in-ground pool, are infused with these principles.
With 5,215 square feet, the house reflects the space-efficient designs of Mid-Century Modern homes. A layout that gives way to sunlight, flooding the interior and blurring the line between inside and out.
The Southfield Residence: Significance
Smokey Robinson lived in this house during the early 1970s, when he was becoming a Motown legend. Even now, locals call it “Smokey’s house,” in a nod to its legacy — the ties between the property and the kind of artist that it grew into in the coming years.
What makes this home especially special is its stunning preservation. Much of the design dates to the 1950s and 60s — home architecture trends that the property still reflects. Its dedication to originality guarantees that it will continue to be a significant aspect of cultural and architectural heritage.
Southern Colonial Grandeur in Encino Estate
Historical Background
One striking example of Southern Colonial architecture in the heart of California’s San Fernando Valley: Smokey Robinson’s Encino estate. A blend of old and new, this 19th-century residence was built in 1882 but also incorporates 21st-century comforts.
The “Encino” name derives from an ancient oak tree 700 years old. By the time Robinson owned the estate, the surrounding neighborhood had been built up as a haven for celebrities, due to the lush vistas and its proximity to Hollywood.
Style Elements and Unique Details
This 6,556-square-foot estate in Encino offers five bedrooms and generous living space. The home’s master suite is particularly memorable, with a soaking tub and sauna for relaxing.
Other features include formal living spaces, a veranda off the bedrooms, and French doors that lead to an inviting patio. This features elegant and sophisticated of the Southern Colonial style elements.
Amenities and Landscaping on Estate
This estate isn’t only about the house — it’s about the experience of the outdoors, too. The property features an outdoor kitchen, a sparkling pool and spa and plenty of room for entertaining. The manicured gardens that surround the home only add to its appeal, making it one of the prettiest properties in the Valley.
There’s also the opportunity for privacy but with grandeur, which is becoming harder to find in the current real estate market.” Situated on one of the largest lots in Encino, the estate provides both.
Sale and Notable Owners
The Encino estate had made news in October 2017 when it was sold for $8.253 million, setting the area’s price record. The buyers? None other than Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky, of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Their purchase only cemented the estate’s status as a coveted celebrity home.
Diverse Styles of Architecture
Mid-Century Modern Ranch Versus Southern Colonial
Smokey Robinson’s two homes couldn’t have more different architectural styles.
| Feature | Mid-Century Modern Ranch | Southern Colonial |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1950s–1960s | 19th Century |
| Design Focus | Minimalism, function, and nature | Grandeur, elegance, and tradition |
| Key Features | Open floor plans, clean lines, courtyards | Columns, verandas, French doors |
| Cultural Influence | Post-war modernism | Southern American heritage |
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(Sweet’s work at the Southfield house, with its focus on simplicity and nature, could not be more different in vocation from the Encino estate, which revels in luxury and academicism, a great reminder of how architecture can reflect the cultural and historical context in which it was made.)
Inspiration and Design Elements
The Mid-Century Modern Southfield house was designed in the spirit of post-war modernism, which emphasized function and continuity of space between inside and out. The Southern Colonial Encino estate, in turn, draws from classically European architecture, with ornate detail and symmetrical lines that feel timeless.
The Impact of Location
Southfield, Michigan
southfield (noun) A Midwestern city near the center of the metro in Michigan. Neighborhoods like Northland Gardens took off in the mid-20th century, as families craved more room and modernity in their homes. The Southfield house of Smokey Robinson is one example of this suburban development boom.
Encino, California
Once cover for horse pastures, Encino has become a posh residential district. Here, its proximity to Hollywood has made it a favorite among celebrities. The Mediterranean climate of the area, along with stunning views and exclusivity, make it an attractive destination for homes such as Smokey Robinson’s estate.
Architecture preservation
The Preservation Efforts in Southfield
Efforts to preserve original features have allowed the Mid-Century Modern design of the Southfield home to remain largely intact. Because the house is part of a National Historic District, its architectural significance will be preserved for future generations.
Encino Renovation and Renovation and Expansion in Encino
The estate in Encino has been renovated and expanded, but care has been taken to maintain its Southern Colonial appeal. Modern accoutrements, including the outdoor kitchen and spa, have been incorporated in a way that complements the home’s historic character while enhancing its functionality.
Legacy
Smokey Robinson’s Influence
Smokey Robinson’s residences deserve to be talked about as more than just great architecture — they are narrative indicators of the artist’s remarkable success and cultural impact. These residences are an intersection of music, history and design, speaking to the life of a man who helped shape modern music in a series of beautiful homes that he inhabited at various points throughout his life.
Architectural Tourism
These homes just might woo architectural devotees and Smokey Robinson fans, alike. The persistent interest in celebrity homes shows their cultural importance, providing a window into the lives of stars who once lived in them.
Conclusion
Smokey Robinson’s previous residences in Southfield and Encino are not simply havens where he resided — they’re architectural gems that encapsulate his legacy and the periods during which they were constructed. The Mid-Century Modern Southfield house exemplifies the experimentation of the 1950s, while the Southern Colonial Encino estate speaks to timeless elegance.
Though each home tells a different story, they all reflect on the history of design, the importance of place and the life of one of Motown’s greatest legends.
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