Heron Artist Casita

A Former Artist's Studio in LA's Frogtown

Sarah Solis, a classically trained designer whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest and Vogue Living, converted this former garage-studio as part of her overhaul of painter Camilla Engström's century-old Frogtown cottage. French doors replaced the original garage door, and the ceiling was vaulted and fitted with exposed trusses and skylights. The result is a compact, light-filled casita. French doors open wide, drawing in direct morning light. There are exposed structural trusses overhead, skylights above, and the artist's own work on every wall.

A kitchenette handles mornings. The bathroom is full, with shower. Engström's ceramics occupy the shelves, and her paintings occupy the walls. Solis specified every fitting, down to the door hardware.

The casita sits within the private grounds of Engström's property, screened by the hedging that runs the perimeter. The surrounding Frogtown streets are quiet and residential. The LA River bike path is the neighborhood's defining artery, lined with cafes and studios, and it's 150 meters from the front gate.

What we love

Meticulously reimagined by acclaimed designer Sarah Solis, this compact guest house pairs high-end restraint with raw artistic sou, featuring vaulted ceilings with exposed trusses, sun-drenched skylights, and natural plaster walls adorned with Engström's original canvases and ceramics. Tucked inside a leafy compound just steps from the LA River bike path, it offers an chic, walkable slice of bohemian Los Angeles.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Frogtown, Los Angeles sleeps up to three guests. It's a single-room studio-style casita with a vaulted ceiling, full bathroom, and kitchenette. The king bed occupies the main space. The property sits within the owner's fenced residential compound.

- Bedroom 1 — King, en suite

Good to know

Guests share the garden perimeter with the main house, and the owner may be present during stays. On-site parking is available. Air conditioning and heating are provided. A car makes travel within Los Angeles easier, though the immediate neighborhood is walkable and bikeable.

Amenities & services

Kitchen, coffee maker, internet, TV, on-site parking, toiletries provided, air conditioning, heating

Around

Frogtown (aka officially Elysian Valley) is one of LA's artist communities, with Shepard Fairey, Mark Grotjahn, and Thomas Houseago keeping studios here. The biennial Frogtown Art Walk draws a crowd. Spoke Bicycle Cafe sits directly on the LA River bike path, seven minutes' walk from the casita: bike rentals, coffee, breakfast, beer garden, and a record selection. Silver Lake's restaurants and boutiques are 10 minutes by car. Downtown Los Angeles is 15 minutes.