The Entry: The moment you step into the shrine-like entry pavilion you know this property is special. Hidden steps lined by lush greenery, boulders, trees, and the sound of falling water, almost mysteriously lead down to the house -- a work of art in harmony with nature. This property is an aggregation of natural splendor, refined architectural elements, and richly textured decorative ingredients. It's all a tightly controlled fusion of such refined taste that feels almost casual in its consummation.
 

The House: Four stepped-back levels of layered textures, complex forms, vibrant colors, and smart design. It is a creative interfusion of styles -- derivative, bohemian, elegant, ornate, mindful, classic, orthodox, extravagant, iconoclastic, eclectic. A marvelously complex work of art masquerading as merely a home. It is comfortable, practical, and surprisingly sensual. It is virile and seductive; you will want to stay and enjoy its proffered  pleasures.  Nearly every room in the house is enhanced by the lush sights and sounds of nature. Balconies and decks everywhere make outdoor living casually convenient and practical.

Sitting rooms: There are three; of varying sizes, each with a flavor of its own, each dominated by a unique wood-burning fireplace. These fireplaces were crafted by master stone masons. The perfect backdrop to read a book, sip a glass of brandy, or entertain guests.
 

Master bedroom: A serious blend of romance and sensual luxury, it looks right out into the garden and the windows swing open wide so you can fall asleep to the sounds of a five-stage waterfall and the creek; in the springtime the mating owls, frogs, and crickets are nature's symphony. A flat plasma screen is discretely hidden behind brocade drapes. The Grotto: a sitting room off the Master. It is a cozy round space, carved out of the mountainside with exposed rock, a fireplace, and a hand painted domed ceiling depicting swallows in powder blue sky with puffy white clouds. Master bathroom: huge double shower with a garden window, and a Bain Ultra spa tub; a place to indulge yourself. Walk-in closets with built-ins, washer & dryer (in addition to separate laundry room elsewhere in the house), fridge.

Kitchen/dining room: one of the most enjoyable rooms in the house, it is open, airy, with views out to the garden, the sound of the waterfalls, and a wall of small-paned windows that slide aside for year round alfresco dining. The cabinetry was created by a European master craftsman from hardwood salvaged from an old tobacco shed. The table, which comfortably seats twelve and was custom-built for the space, is lit by two recycled Pasadena street lamps and a derelict ship's light. The appliances are the finest brands and include a commercial glass door refrigerator and a built-in espresso maker. The countertops are antique French limestone. There is a wine cellar carved from the natural rock with an oak tree growing through the room. The kitchen was featured as "Kitchen of the Month" in House Beautiful magazine.

Office: A great place to work, has windows on three sides with views into the treetops and the creek just below, and an enormous built-in desk of antique chestnut. Opens onto a sunny deck with built-in BBQ. Media room: Soundproofed and set up for serious screening or music with a separate air-conditioned control room. It is conveniently close to the kitchen.

Guest rooms for lucky friends: There are two en suite guest rooms on a separate level in the house, plus two romantic suites with separate entrances: The Casita and The Spa. The Casita is detached from the house, overlooks a beautiful green lawn, and has a full bath and lots of closet space for long stay-overs. The Spa is a romantic creekside suite with a sauna, steam shower, and a 50'' plasma screen with surround sound; truly a retreat within a retreat.
 

The Gardens: dense domesticated plantings dominated by natives -- outrageously tall mottled sycamores, dark-trunked oaks, and fragrant bay laurels. Several sitting and entertainment areas -- one with a river-rock fireplace. The Creek: flows year-round, a 20 foot waterfall, sandy-bottomed pools, massive boulders, crossed over via a fallen live sycamore bridge. At night, with the sounds of nature and the romantic lighting of antique street lamps, the property becomes magical. You and your guests will never want to leave.

Practicals: Large laundry, 5 HAC zones, wireless Fiber optics fast Internet, the house is wired for sound, CAT5, there is an intercom, and a security camera at the front door that is connected to all televisions in the house. Separate vacant parcel of land across the creek.

This property is exquisitely beautiful. Photographs and descriptions cannot do it justice. You have to see it.

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Gary Harryman Topanga Real Estate Phone: 310-455-1884 E-mail: gary@garyharryman.com

436 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, California 90290

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