A 1969 Donaldson Futuro prefab home, styled as a golden flying saucer, has entered the real estate market in California's San Jacinto Mountains. Listed at $1 .495 million, this historical landmark offers a rare glimpse into mid-century space-age design.
The 11,900-pound rescue by Milford Wayne Donaldson
The survival of this unique structure is largely credited to preservation architect Milford Wayne Donaldson.. According to the report, Donaldson discovered the plastic UFO-shaped home in a San Diego parking lot during the late 1970s, where it was facing potential destruction. Donaldson, who previously served as the chair of the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation under President Barack Obama and as California’s state historic preservation officer under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, spent decades restoring the unit.
In February 2003 , the 11,900-pound structure was moved to a half-acre lot in Pine Cove,a massive logistical feat that required a California Highway Patrol escort and temporarily blocked three lanes of traffic. This move was a significant undertaking that drew the attention of many motorists as a crane fially lowered the home into its forested sanctuary.
Matti Suuronen’s 793-square-foot fiberglass vision
Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen and manufactured by Philadelphia-based Futuro Enterprises, the home is a masterclass in retro-futurism. the residence features a lightweight fiberglass-reinforced polyester plastic shell that sits atop specialized steel legs, allowing it to hover above the granite outcrops of the San Jacinto Mountains. This design allows the home to integrate with the surrounding environment of ponderosa pines, California black oaks, and white firs.
Inside, the 793-square-foot living space is organized around a circular floor plan, illuminated by sixteen custom acrylic portals and a central skylight. the interior has been updated with a gold-flecked, non-asbestos popcorn ceiling, and the living area features built-in seating that follows the home's unique curves, flowing into a compact, lime-green kitchen.
A rare survivor among only 60 remaining units
This Donaldson Futuro is one of the few surviving examples of its kind, with global estimates suggesting only 50 to 60 of the original 100 units still exist. As the report indicates, its cultural significance is cemented by its status as California Historical Landmark No. 1062 and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. A stone monument with bronze plaques on the property serves as a permanent testament to its role in American architectural history, ensuring its legacy is recognized by future owners.
The mystery of the $1.495 million buyer
While the property is now available for purchase, several questions remain regarding its future. the report does not specify whether the sale is motivated by a desire to move the structure or if the buyer is expected to maintain its current location in the San Jacinto Mountains. furthermore, it remains unclear if the $1.495 million asking price is driven by the home's rarity or the specialized maintenance required for its fiberglass-reinforced polyester shell. Potential buyers must also consider how the historical landmark designation might impact future renovations or property use, as the structure is a protected piece of history.
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