A gorgeous Gelman-designed home in Agoura Hills, California just hit the market for $2,950,000. In many ways, it's the ultimate expression of his vision.
Gellman is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Architecture. He has had a long and storied career designing beautiful, contemporary environments that both meet his clients' physical needs and heighten "awareness and wonder at existence."
Built in 2006, the three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 3,064-square-foot home is built on stilts. The design gives residents a panoramic bird's eye view of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. The nearly 1-acre lot is carefully planted with cacti, agave, and succulents, as well as shady, elegant sycamore trees that cover a large lawn.
There is also a spacious terrace with two oversized companion homes attached to it, providing additional space for entertaining and relaxation. The design also includes a covered car park with electric car charging stations and seating areas.
"I think one of the most incredible features of this home is that it was designed to create the most beautiful and often unexpected views of the stunning surrounding landscape everywhere you go," said Compass listing agent Amy Snider.
It definitely enhances your awareness of the natural beauty around you. Whether you're gazing at the peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains through the pane of windows above the kitchen, viewing the large sycamore trees through the wall of glass in the great room, or gazing at the blue sky through the large skylight in the main room, it's magical.
The home's design also provides a perfect sitting area under the stilts, thanks to the property's wide, flat plot.
Snyder explains, "Because the house is a full floor above the ground, you can sit underneath it and be completely surrounded by the expansive grounds. It's all gated and private, making it not only a complete sanctuary, but also an incredible home for entertaining."
Across the street is Peter Strauss Ranch Park. Popular with nature lovers, history and music enthusiasts, the park boasts oak woodlands, easy trails, lawn areas and an amphitheatre that frequently hosts concerts.
But while the park is beautiful, it's the design of the park that is the highlight.
Says Snyder: This unique home floats atop an expansive parcel of land with breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is rare to find such an effective balance between artistic design and functional living. Surrounded by nature, this home offers the ultimate in tranquility without sacrificing modern conveniences.
The single-level floor plan opens to a great room with high ceilings, bay windows and walls of glass for jaw-dropping views and access to the deck.
The chef's kitchen features custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, a walk-in pantry and an adjacent laundry room.
The current owner is interior designer Liz Green of Popix Designs, who added her own unique twist to the original design.
She put in gorgeous, sustainable marble tile flooring in her office and some understated but beautiful wallpaper in the entryway and dining room corners, says Snyder.
All three bedroom suites feature large wardrobes and oversized windows. The master bedroom suite spans the entire south side of the home and features a fireplace, double wardrobes, and a master bathroom with a walk-in shower and soaking tub, two sinks, and a water closet.
The house feels remote, but it really isn't, with plenty of restaurants such as the family-run Old Place, and the Cornell Wine Co.
The house is located in the Las Virgenes School District.
Snyder says, "This property has been home to two nature-loving families who love the family-friendly floor plan, the grounds, the great schools nearby, and the public park across the street."
The property is perfect for "anyone who has an appreciation for architecture and wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles."
