Avant-garde colony reborn as a 1950s suburb

"Charles Weeks, who had helped develop Winnetka, Ill., brought his brand of utopia to Southern California in the early 1920s. Weeks thought a plot of land, a couple of thousand chickens and a palm tree at every corner were the means to enlightenment. Living close to the land would unleash true creativity, he believed, so along with the 1-acre chicken farms, he shepherded a symphony orchestra, took his "colonists" on pilgrimages to the Hollywood Bowl, and founded schools and a community center."

"The experiment didn't survive the 1929 stock market crash, although a few outer buildings still remain. Weeks spent the rest of his days indulging his passion for spearfishing in the warm waters off West Palm Beach, Fla."

"The community is a magnet for families looking for a place to raise children. Typical single-family home listings include a 50-year-old, three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,480-square-foot home on an 8,300-square-foot lot for $349,950 and a four-bedroom, two-bath home built in 1963 for $419,000."

Winnetka, located in the central San Fernando Valley, originated as an avant-garde communal living experiment in the early 1920s. Charles Weeks, who previously developed Winnetka, Illinois, established the Southern California community based on utopian ideals emphasizing living close to the land. His vision included 1-acre chicken farms, a symphony orchestra, cultural pilgrimages, schools, and a community center. The experiment collapsed following the 1929 stock market crash, though some original structures remain. Today, Winnetka has transformed into a family-oriented residential community featuring affordable 1950s ranch-style homes. The area attracts young families, retiring baby boomers, recent immigrants, and real estate investors seeking rental income opportunities. Properties typically range from $349,950 to $419,000 for three to four-bedroom homes on modest lots.

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