A Gorgeous Mid-Century House Masterpiece Hidden In The Topanga Canyon

Hidden away in the Topanga Canyon, in Southern California, this beautiful gem of a house was built in 1968 and was the wonderful creation of architect Matthew Leizer. It’s a gorgeous midcentury home that gradually reveals its charm as you start exploring it.

The house complements the landscape without seeking to tame it
The house complements the landscape without seeking to tame it

To reach it you first need to go all the way down a private road that runs through the tall oak trees. There, at the end of the road, a two-story structure with a flat roof and huge windows seem to complement the landscape perfectly. 

One of the outdoor sitting decks can be accessed from the living area on the upper floor
One of the outdoor sitting decks can be accessed from the living area on the upper floor
The floor plan is quite irregular and so are the shapes and sizes of the windows which adds character to the rooms
The floor plan is quite irregular and so are the shapes and sizes of the windows which adds character to the rooms
This voersized wood-burning fireplace gives the open-space living area a super cozy feel
This voersized wood-burning fireplace gives the open-space living area a super cozy feel

The house enjoys a very strong relationship with its immediate surroundings and with this beautiful landscape in general. The irregularly-shaped floor plan opens up through glass doors and full-height windows while in other areas the clerestory windows let the sunlight in from above.

A small dining area acts as a separator between the living room and the kitchen

A small dining area acts as a separator between the living room and the kitchen. This in combination with the extensive use of wood throughout the house makes this place look very warm and welcoming. 

 
The kitchen gets plenty of natural light and has an inviting geometry
The kitchen gets plenty of natural light and has an inviting geometry
Out on the open deck the views are magnificent and very serene
Out on the open deck the views are magnificent and very serene
The master bedroom has a private little study nook with a deck and lots of open shelves
The master bedroom has a private little study nook with a deck and lots of open shelves

The main living room and the dining area connect to the kitchen which has large windows showcasing a serene view of some large boulders surrounded by greenery. These connected spaces open onto a sitting deck, one of two charming outdoor spaces. 

The main bathroom features a corner shower and wood-paneled accent walls
The main bathroom features a corner shower and wood-paneled accent walls
The other two bedrooms are smaller but they enjoy panoramic views of the trees and surrounding landscape
The other two bedrooms are smaller but they enjoy panoramic views of the trees and surrounding landscape

The rest of the interior is occupied by three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master suite has a little private study, an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet in addition to, of course, a lovely and serene view. The house as a whole is a masterpiece of simplicity, balance and character. 

The lower level has light-colored walls and a white ceiling which helps it appear bigger and brighter
The lower level has light-colored walls and a white ceiling which helps it appear bigger and brighter
Both floors enjoy a beautiful connection to the garden and a strong relationship with nature in general
Both floors enjoy a beautiful connection to the garden and a strong relationship with nature in general
Unlike most contemporary houses, this one has a more organic geometry created in response to the terrain and the views
Unlike most contemporary houses, this one has a more organic geometry created in response to the terrain and the views

Photo by Jason Christopher for Sotheby’s International Realty