Contemporary Laurel Canyon Sanctuary

Smith & Berg Partners
Tacos & Tequila
Published in
4 min readSep 27, 2017

Above & beyond the ordinary.

Laurel Canyon, that lush little treasure aloft Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, is an unassuming cultural nexus where rich history meets modern living. While Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and The Eagles (along with nearly all other rock legends) lived amongst inspired bungalows and cabins, the area has subscribed to a killer contemporary character over the years. Presently, Laurel Canyon stands as the product of its early musical and late architectural influences, resulting in a lifestyle that is cutting-edge, yet inherently authentic; secluded, yet wildly convenient. And, we’ve got just house to prove it.

Perched within the meandering heights of the Hollywood Hills sits a true architectural wonder, four stories high with unrivaled vistas of the canyon below and city lights just beyond. Highly modern in structure yet thoroughly soulful in its bones, this four-bedroom home satiates modern California living in a locale whose passionate blueprint has been established by our most idolized rhythmic geniuses.

Situated upon 8184 Mannix Drive, this sanctuary in the sky will immediately captivate with a soaring foyer so sleek and simple that you’ll think you’ve just been teleported to a chic New York City art gallery. Lined with a minimalist epulum railing, the staircase guides you upward (unless you opt for a quick elevator ride) to the second-story bedroom where you can enjoy city views from the balcony or while nestled in bed.

Now, let’s head up another floor for a true mic drop moment. A super wide-open layout upon the third story ebbs and flows throughout a multitude of massive living spaces, giving rise to some serious go-with-the-flow California living. Here, an entertainer’s fantasy is absolutely fulfilled — we guarantee it.

The chef’s kitchen has a sweet mid-century vibe, yet is uber contemporary down to its core. Replete with state-of-the-art amenities (by virtue of Miele), sexy slate countertops and custom tile backsplash, the kitchen cooks up a killer decorative appetite.

The movement fluxes onward into the home’s greatest crowd-pleaser. Here, you’ll find the formal dining area and great room, lined with industrial-style, floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors. That may be a mouthful, but the superfluous description is well-deserved. Complete with a fireplace, incredible stone tile wall and, of course, the home’s most insane canyon and city vistas, the great room is dressed to impress. Decked in both coastal-inspired designs, including an impressive coffee table overlaid with rocks, and modern leathern furnishings, this space perfectly complements the home’s architecture and surrounding natural environment.

Just on the opposite side of the great room is, yes, an additional living space. While the same neutral palette remains, there’s a unique pop of color to give the room a little oomph; and, lest we not forget, this cozy lounge features sliding doors unto the terrace, where canyon views are to be had and memories are to be made.

You thought we were done? Head up one more floor and you’ll enter a full-on retreat. Home to three bedrooms, the fourth story features the stellar master suite with a fireplace, true spa-like bath and an entire wall dedicated to glass sliding doors that lead you out to a balcony. Imagine each day’s rising sun adorning its colors upon the cityscape below and setting as the Los Angeles lights begin to dazzle on the horizon. We’re sold.

Perhaps one of the raddest parts of the home that we haven’t gotten to yet (but you’ve probably been wondering about) is the wraparound terrace. Set upon the canyon-facing side of the home, this rustic wooden deck serves as host to an intimate dining and seating area, both of which are embraced by a manicured lawn and hedges. It’s easy to picture yourself chilling here (with a cold cocktail in hand) come sundown, isn’t it?

Sleek, but comfortable. Bold, yet natural. Structurally unique, but true to Laurel Canyon’s counterculture architecture. If this home doesn’t sing The Eagles’ “Take it Easy” jam, we’re not sure what does. You’re also pretty close to where the band lived, so…

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Smith & Berg Partners
Tacos & Tequila

Smith & Berg Partners is the leading real estate team on the Westside of Los Angeles. www.smithandberg.com