In the celebrity enclave of Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, designer and developer Lidan Sfadia has created a home that feels refreshingly different from many contemporary builds.
Designed for a 25-year-old content creator purchasing her first home, the residence embraces traditional Spanish architecture, rich natural materials, and a series of defined spaces that prioritise character over simple convention.
Built in 2025, the home draws inspiration from the neighbourhood's historic Spanish residences. "I wanted to preserve the neighbourhood's feel as there are many old character-filled Spanish homes," says Sfadia.
The result is a residence that balances old-world charm with modern luxury, from its reclaimed 1920s Spanish clay tile roof to its cutting-edge amenities.
Moving Beyond the Open Plan
Rather than adopting the all-open layouts common in new construction, Sfadia designed a home that feels intimate and layered.
A formal entry welcomes visitors with timber beams and arched iron doors before opening into the family room, dining area and kitchen. While connected, each space retains its own identity, creating a sense of flow without sacrificing comfort or privacy. Large custom arched French doors flood the interiors with natural light, reinforcing the home's warm and inviting atmosphere.
Rooted in Craftsmanship
Throughout the home, natural materials tell a story of authenticity and permanence. Italian limestone floors, Calacatta marble surfaces and dark-stained European white oak cabinetry create a palette that feels both grounded and luxurious.
Sfadia intentionally moved away from his usual lighter oak finishes to remain true to the home's Spanish character. Brass Watermark fixtures, copper rain gutters, hand-trowelled plaster walls, and imported cobblestones add layers of texture and handicraft throughout.
The kitchen serves as a cornerstone, anchored by a French La Cornue range, custom cabinetry and a fully equipped butler's pantry designed for effortless entertaining.
Seamless Living Indoors and Out
The connection to nature plays a central role in the home's design. Arched steel doors open to a landscaped backyard complete with a pool, spa, and a remarkable 125-year-old olive tree. Beyond the garden, uninterrupted views of the famed Lakeside Golf Course add to the sense of tranquillity.
Upstairs, Fleetwood sliders bring abundant natural light into the primary suite, where a spa-like marble bathroom, custom vanity, and generous walk-in wardrobe complete the retreat.
Describing the home in a single sentence, Sfadia calls it "a timeless traditional Spanish home that is open and inviting, yet intimate and traditionally laid out" – a fitting summary of a residence that proves character and craftsmanship never go out of style.
Credits
Interior design and Construction: Lidan Sfadia, Instagram @lidansfadia
Photos: Nils Timm, Instagram @nilstimmvisuals
Production: Karine Monié, Instagram @karinemonie