You’d Never Guess That This $3.5M Leafy-Green Getaway Is in the Heart of L.A.

Enveloped by trees, shrubs, and grasses, the two-structure home was dreamed up by a contractor-turned-screenwriter and his wife.
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Location: 3435 Descanso Drive, Los Angeles, California

Price: $3,500,000

Designers: Richard and Cheryl Murphy

Footprint: 3,070 square feet

Lot Size: 0.17 acres

From the Agent: "Built by the owners for themselves, this visionary retreat is a treasure in the midst of the city: a two-structure compound, centered around a lush and private center garden. The extraordinary attention to detail is evident in the quality of the finishes and the layout of the rooms and structures themselves. Each aspect is artfully designed to take full advantage of the natural light and exterior elements with an ever-unfolding romance between the interiors and the lush foliage and flowers of the garden. The main residence features a ground-floor bedroom and bath and an upstairs primary suite with two private patios, a walk-in closet, and an office. The secondary structure is equally dramatic in design with large windows that frame views of the garden like a movie screen frames a film. The property is also situated in close proximity to the most desirable shops and restaurants and the noted Silver Lake farmers market."

A wooden gate opens to the lush lot, which is filled with native vegetation and soaring trees.

A wooden gate opens to the lush lot, which is filled with native vegetation and soaring trees.

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In the main residence, floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the living areas, strengthening the home’s connection to nature while also drawing ample natural light inside.

In the main residence, floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the living areas, strengthening the home’s connection to nature while also drawing ample natural light inside.

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"Throughout the day, the property continues to reveal itself in new ways," notes the agent.

"Throughout the day, the property continues to reveal itself in new ways," notes the agent.

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The home’s terraces capture striking views of the downtown skyline and Griffith Observatory.

The home’s terraces capture striking views of the downtown skyline and Griffith Observatory.


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The secondary structure features a full kitchen, an office area, a living room, and a bedroom suite, complete with its own private patio.

The secondary structure features a full kitchen, an office area, a living room, and a bedroom suite, complete with its own private patio.

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Dwell Staff
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