Nature-loving creatives will feel right at home in this $1.5 million Topanga, CA, ode to the Golden State. Located deep in the heavily wooded Santa Monica Mountains, this eclectic cedar-and-steel house offers quirk and seclusion aplenty -- without venturing too far from civilization.
Built in 1981, the "chic and earthy" three-bedroom home recently underwent a near-total remodel after two artists purchased it in 2002. Fortunately for potential buyers, the upgrades are both functional and aesthetic. The original roof was swapped for Corten steel, which is designed to last longer than modern roofing, and interior flooring was chosen explicitly for its longevity (think hardwood and poured concrete, not carpet).
Much of the renovation addressed the home's floor plan, making it open and inviting.
"There's no modesty in this home," says listing agent Drew Snyder of Snyder Sutton Real Estate. "It's open and on view, but the site is private enough to shelter you from the neighbors."
The property's footprint -- a hair under an acre -- feels much larger, thanks to its location "tucked into the hillside," says Snyder, as well as the stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Xeriscaped, drought-tolerant landscaping surrounds the home's multiple patios, the largest of which is surrounded by a unique, artist-designed patterned wood fence.
You'll find that same pattern -- thin, interlocked strips of light wood -- on the railings of the staircase inside, as well as on the catwalk that connects the second-story rooms, making good use of the space added by the dining room's 20 foot ceiling.
Let the owners' vivid, flea market -- inspired decor be a model for your own: Bold, jewel-toned sofas (and an extensive artwork collection) pair perfectly with the walls, done in a mix of bright colors and grays interspersed with vintage wallpaper.
"It's very eclectic color," says Snyder. "It's not something that people have seen for a while."
According to Snyder, the owners' design was influenced by their time in Paris, with the decor inspired by flea market finds -- and a modern eye.
Nowhere is that more apparent than in the master bathroom, which features a glass-enclosed shower and a freestanding iron tub. An exposed wood ceiling adds rustic appeal, and the black lacquer Japanese sink pedestal is a bold addition that works because -- not in spite -- of the room's eclectic ornamentation.
All of the upstairs rooms (including the bathrooms) feature enormous picture windows with awe-inspiring scenic views -- but in all that privacy and nature, you're never far from the greater world.
"We're only 15 minutes from Santa Monica," says Snyder.
But when you have your own slice of heaven, why would you venture anywhere else?