Sonya Coke: Remarkable modern residence on a tree-lined street in Los Feliz asks $2.285M

Their story is the kind of stuff romantic movies are made of; a professionally trained German production designer driven by precision falls in love with a care-free bohemian from California driven by art. Their story is also the kind that gives birth to a successful design-build firm. And, what turned their home – once tragically in disrepair – into the most remarkable residence on the block.

Modern home for sale on a tree-lined street in Los Feliz

4 bd / 3.5 ba

$2,285,000

Map

They lived on the Westside when their youngest began attending a school in Los Feliz. Their morning and evening commute soon became unbearable. So, when they stumbled on this fixer, located just north of Franklin Ave, they decided to go for it.

“We put buckets down to catch the water coming in from the roof” is how Beth Holden, principal of New Theme, describes the condition of the house when they moved in.

With little worth saving they stripped everything down to the studs leaving only the the original staircase and fireplace (which was eventually relined.)

The remodel is rooted in combining the storied with modern.

Holden describes the exterior as “a homage to modernism. The austere and bold facade stands out among the typical Craftsman and American Colonial Revival bungalows of the neighborhood.”

The inside reveal is quite different.

A warm, rich, interior is evident the minute you open the custom wood stained pivot door and your feet hit the dark concrete floors.

The first floor contains the dining room that looks out to the front porch shaded by a beautiful Jacaranda tree, the living room has a fireplace featuring a black Basalt tile hearth, the media room, a bedroom (currently used as an office), and the kitchen.

Beth’s husband and business partner, Wolfgang Melian, custom made the multi-sliding pocket doors that open the kitchen to the rear yard that’s great for lounging or taking a plunge in the salt water pool. He also created the custom walnut built-ins, cabinets, the killer center island with room for wine and cook books, and built the Corian countertops with custom formed integrated sinks.

Heading up to the second floor a Lambert et Fils chandelier casts a warm light on the stairwell leading to the second floor where the three other bedrooms are located.

After the kitchen, the master bedroom is my favorite room in the house. Their bed looks out onto an expansive deck that Melian says, “it’s amazing to wake up” to the lush green scenary of the surrounding trees. With a dressing area and a luxurious spa-like master bathroom with stone floors, custom built-in shower, plaster walls, and Artemide sconce lighting the room itself is pretty amazing too.

Having enjoyed many years living in Europe the couple were not only attracted to creating an oasis of peace and tranquility to call home – they loved the neighborhood for its walkability. It’s located near Franklin Village that’s filled with markets, restaurants, and many local stores, including a bookstore.

The first public open house is March 10 from 1-4pm.

Asking price is $2,285,000.