Set on the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains in Encino, California, this 2024-built residence was designed to feel like an instant retreat — the kind of home that captures attention at first sight, then slowly reveals its depth through texture, atmosphere and carefully judged detail. Designed and constructed by Lidan Sfadia, the house draws together a distinctly European sense of refinement with the rustic ease of a Napa barn-style estate, resulting in a home that feels both elevated and deeply welcoming.
Located in a pocket of Encino known for its quieter architectural character, the house sits within an area long associated with mid-century modernism, where architects such as A. Quincy Jones, Richard Dorman and Martin Gelber left their mark through post-and-beam homes in the 1950s and 1960s. Against this heritage-rich backdrop, Sfadia has created a transitional home that bridges old and new with confidence.
A Home Shaped by Place and Personal Story
The residence is now the full-time home of an owner who relocated to Encino after being affected by the Pacific Palisades fires. For the design team, the property’s appeal lay in the scale of the stand, the sense of privacy it offered and its convenient access to Los Angeles’ Westside. From the beginning, the ambition was to create a home that felt generous yet intimate — expansive in size, but never overwhelming in mood.
European Influence, Napa Spirit
“From my travels all over the world, I drew on a heavy European influence in the design,” explains Lidan Sfadia. “I also gathered inspiration from Napa for a barn-style estate. It starts with a crushed limestone driveway, which gives a feel of being in a winery.”
That combination of references defines the project. There is a polished elegance to the interiors, but also an easy, almost pastoral warmth that softens the formality. It is this balance that gives the house its inviting quality.
A Palette Designed for Ease
The interiors are wrapped in a calm, tonal palette of warm whites, natural oak and light taupe. Rather than relying on contrast or spectacle, the design creates interest through subtle shifts in tone and surface.
“We chose warm whites, natural oak, and light taupe colors to create a look that is easy on the eyes but still feels warm and inviting,” the designer says. The effect is serene and cohesive. Light moves gently across matte finishes, soft drapery and timber surfaces, while the architecture remains quietly in focus.
Material Choices That Will Age Beautifully
Materiality plays a central role in giving the house its timeless character. Sfadia selected European white oak for both the flooring and the custom cabinetry, creating continuity throughout the home and introducing an organic warmth that echoes the established landscape outside.
“We decided to use European white oak, Calacatta marble, and antique brass Watermark fixtures. Our goal was to utilize classic and timeless materials that provide a sense of longevity and warmth,” Sfadia explains.
Calacatta marble appears as both finish and focal point, particularly in the fireplaces, where softly rounded edges transform the mantelpieces into sculptural forms rather than purely functional elements. Antique brass fixtures bring another layer of depth, chosen not just for their appearance now, but for the patina they will develop over time.
Soft linen drapery and matte timber finishes complete the palette, creating what might be described as a quieter side of luxury — one rooted in touch, light and atmosphere rather than display.
A Large Home That Still Feels Intimate
One of the project’s strongest achievements is the way it handles scale. Although the house spans 7,500 square feet, it has been planned to feel warm and approachable. “I wanted to create a soothing atmosphere where the design feels effortless and the home doesn’t feel as large as it is,” Lidan says. “I wanted every room to be inviting and intimate.” This is achieved through a layout that keeps rooms distinct while allowing them to flow naturally into one another. Double-volume ceilings create drama at the entrance, but the interiors quickly settle into a rhythm that feels calm and liveable.
The home is organised into two wings: one dedicated to the main living spaces, and the other to amenities including a home theatre, office and gym. Five bedrooms and six bathrooms provide generous accommodation, while a gourmet kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, integrated lighting, stone sinks, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a Control4 smart home system ensure that the practical experience of the home is as considered as its aesthetic one.
A Courtyard-Led Arrival
The exterior planning was just as intentional as the interiors. A large setback from the street prompted Sfadia to rethink how the front garden could function, leading to the creation of a central courtyard at the entrance.
“We were given a large setback from the street, which challenged me to get creative with the yard,” he says. “I decided to place a courtyard at the center as you enter, making the outdoor space feel immediately usable. I also added steel sliders to the front to complement its large, gated, and private setting, and designed a water feature with a seating area off the formal living room.”
That sequence of arrival sets the tone for the rest of the house, where indoor and outdoor spaces feel connected from the outset. Outside, the property includes a cabana with a wood-burning fireplace, a pool, a raised infinity-edge spa and an outdoor shower — amenities that reinforce the home’s resort-like calm.
A Retreat That Resists Trends
What makes this house especially compelling is its refusal to chase fashion. Instead, it builds its identity through proportion, natural materials and a carefully edited palette that will only grow richer with time.
The result is a home that honours California’s mid-century legacy while embracing a more tactile, contemporary warmth. In doing so, it offers an elegant reminder that true luxury is often found not in excess, but in restraint, comfort and the quiet confidence of timeless design.
Credits
Interior design and Construction: Lidan Sfadia, Instagram: @lidansfadia
Photos: Nils Timm, Instagram: @nilstimmvisuals
