Sullivan Canyon Residence

Los Angeles, CA

Building on an original

The residential area known as Sullivan Canyon in Los Angeles lies between Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades, and since the late 1930’s has been home to a particular sort of Southern California lifestyle – with an equestrian focus. Many of the homes in this area were designed by the inventor of the so-called “Western Ranch House,” Cliff May. The project you see here is a new home, incorporating stylistic elements (as well as a fireplace and master bedroom walls) from the property’s original Cliff May house, dating from 1940.

Unique and modern installations compliment the warmth of this CA home
This brand new residence in CA features a pitched roof and sun for days

Courtyard and gardens

Remodelings over the years had disrupted aspects of the previous building’s original layout and charm, and the house was increasingly inadequate for its new owners, who had purchased the property in 2007. Although the growing family needed additional space and was interested in a range of “green” improvements, they appreciated the simple and unassuming feeling of the original building. PDA was asked to keep the basic low-slung stucco massing and pitched roof of the original house, and its central courtyard, which had always been a focal point of the residence. The resulting new home reinforces the role of the courtyard, makes the entry more prominent, and increases the sense of airiness and “flow” among the major public spaces.

Sunny and modern home in Los Angeles, CA

Warm and modern

The new kitchen, baths and a variety of special installations have a warm, tactile modern feeling, while complementing the white plastered construction that is strongly suggestive of the house’s origins. A new wine cellar, equestrian facilities, and new landscaping throughout the site (where chickens stroll under fruit trees) complete the project. Basic style and actual elements of the original house have remained, but its California ranch spirit steps into a sunny future.

Stylish and modern bathroom in a Sullivan Canyon home
Updated home in CA features a natural flow between main spaces
Exquisite touches make this Sullivan Canyon home one-of-a-kind
A modern kitchen for a stunning new residence in CA

Built-in sustainability

This project features sustainable elements such as photovoltaic power generation, solar hot water (supplemented with tankless systems indoors) for both the home and swimming pool, and a range of responsibly-produced natural and recycled materials.

The sun sets in this gorgeous central courtyard, located in the Sullivan Canyon area of Los Angeles
Brand new equestrian facilities are a highlight of this CA home
This Los Angeles home features sustainable elements and gorgeous landscaping