Our excitement was hard to contain when this remarkable example of mid-century modern architecture hit the market. Designed by noted architect Robert Malinoff, this three-bedroom house stands on a peaceful site in the scenic hills of Beachwood Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. The house retains the signature details of the mid-century era, featuring clean lines, clerestory windows, and an eye-catching concrete block fireplace.
The Architect
Architect Robert Malinoff was a student at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. While a student, he built his family home on Ledgewood Drive, showcasing his take on mid-century post-and-beam design.
The House Tour
The house stands in scenic Beachwood Canyon on a road leading to the iconic Hollywood Sign. The main entrance is accessed via a flight of stairs that merges with a wooden deck.
Inside opens to a short hallway and unfolds across a single story of just under 1,300 square feet of living space. As you move past the entry hallway, the house reveals well-preserved hallmarks of mid-century design.
You’re immediately connected to the outdoors through French doors, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and sliding clerestory windows. The public rooms are nested in an open plan concept. The living room area features built-in seating and a stunning wood-burning fireplace, constructed from stacked concrete blocks, atop a tiled hearth with a slender brick flue above. The fireplace visually separates the living room from the den.
The dining area sits between the den and a pure vintage kitchen. The kitchen has 1950s appliances, original cabinetry, bright yellow Formica countertops, speckled black linoleum floors, and an integrated breakfast area.
Beautiful morning light permeates the bedrooms and bathrooms through walls of windows with sliding clerestory options. Two of the three bedrooms open to a wooden deck. It’s a peaceful setting to enjoy as you ease into your day, surrounded by lush greenery. Original tile, a turquoise countertop, and pegboard cabinet fronts decorate the bathrooms.
Beautiful morning light permeates the bedrooms and bathrooms through walls of windows with sliding clerestory options. Two of the three bedrooms open to a wood deck large enough for seating to enjoy your morning lattes as you ease into your day, surrounded by the lush surroundings. Original tile, turquoise colored countertops, and pegboard cabinet fronts decorate the bathrooms.
The house stands on a lush, shady lot filled with mature landscaping. French doors off the dining area open to a spacious deck where you can entertain guests throughout the day. Varying garden levels offer additional lounging areas. There’s even a spot to enjoy the surrounding treetop views.
The Neighborhood
Meandering streets lead to hiking trails and “six sets of 1920s-era stone staircases (one featuring cascading ponds) that zigzag between hillside streets,” including the Beachwood Canyon Stairs. Neighborhood lore says that each child in the area has a key to the Garden of Oz, a secluded, Oz-themed garden featuring a Yellow Brick Road, shining tiles, and dozens of thrones.
Beachwood Market, a local grocery store, offers residents the convenience and small-town atmosphere of a neighborhood market. Next door is Beachwood Café, which serves fresh farm-to-table fare. Further down the hill is a small commercial strip known as Franklin Village. The village offers a variety of boutique shops and activities. There’s The Oaks Gourmet Market & Café. It’s another neighborhood market with a dizzying selection of beer and wine. Upright Citizens Brigade offers Improv 101, a class created to improve your performing and public speaking skills. When class ends, you can grab a bite to eat at La Poubelle. This central location is near film and TV production studios, Los Feliz, and Griffith Park.
