Hillside Drive

A Masterful Topanga Retreat Designed by Charles Ward

This secluded home was designed by Los Angeles-based architect Charles Ward, whose strong lines and graceful approach to both interior and exterior aesthetics lends a sense of welcoming stillness among the natural beauty of the landscape.

Restored by a creative and entrepreneurial couple who are avid travelers, the home features an eye-catching array of eclectic and occasionally off beat items that give it personality and artistic creativity.

The intuitive adaptation into the canyon environment along with the vibrant details and collection of treasures from around the world create a subtle mix of mountain and modern life that reminds us of why we love Topanga!

Nestled into the canyon on five acres of woodlands and gardens, this holiday home in Topanga is spacious and stylish and makes for the perfect secluded getaway for families or group retreats. 

Designed by LA architect Charles Ward, the home's strong lines and clean silhouette complement the native landscape and is positioned to offer beautiful panoramic views across the canyon as well as tranquil seclusion and privacy. 

Bought and restored by a creative couple who specialize in interior design, renovations and the arts, the home was lightly and seamlessly updated while still highlighting Ward's dramatic scale and texture.  

The multi-level layout, lofty ceilings and spacious open plan afford plenty of room while still providing intimate individual spaces and airy indoor/outdoor living. The main living area with fireplace opens out to beautiful gardens and terraces and sits adjacent to the dining area and gleaming eat-in kitchen that can serve up to eight inside or out on the terrace. The graceful interiors feature a creative spirit and rustic/modern  ambiance with a selective eye for detail and artistic flow.

Upstairs, the large master bedroom is a light and dreamy space with a sleek concrete master bath and large private view terrace. There are three additional double bedrooms, each with lovely views and room for up to eight guests. 

The lush grounds include a swimming pool and expansive terraces for lounging and dining with stunning views of the canyon. This is a peaceful and private escape and one of the best places to enjoy wild natural beauty so close to LA. 

Read an interview with the owner in our Stories section here, and discover the source of the oil drum light above the dining table here.

Additional features

Wifi throughout, TV with internet enabled Netflix, Hulu and premium channel access, SONOS audio system, land line telephone, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities, private parking.

Around

Set above the coast in the Santa Monica mountains, Topanga Canyon is a bucolic and peaceful mountain community that straddles the Pacific coast and the San Fernando Valley. Featuring the largest state park within city limits in the US, there are miles of wilderness and land to explore with trailheads just a two minute walk from the house. It’s just a short drive to Malibu or Santa Monica and a half hour from the greater Los Angeles area.

Location

Topanga, Los Angeles County, California. Nearest airports: Los Angeles International (22 miles), Burbank (25 miles)

Best time to visit

Year-round