The modern farmhouse has become one of the defining architectural styles of the past decade, but few projects interpret it with the sophistication of this exceptional Los Angeles residence. Designed by internationally acclaimed architectural practice Landry Design Group (LDG), the custom home combines the relaxed familiarity of a farmhouse with contemporary architecture, refined craftsmanship and luxurious interiors that celebrate both everyday family life and large-scale entertaining.
Known for creating spectacular homes for prominent clients including Dr Dre, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart and Mark Wahlberg, LDG approached this project with a clear vision: to create a residence that felt warm and approachable without sacrificing elegance.
"The client was looking for modern lines but with the casualness of a farmhouse aesthetic, something that wouldn't be austere or minimalist, but not kitschy either," says LDG partner William Mungall.
Interestingly, the firm became involved after construction had already begun. The homeowner was dissatisfied with the original layout and exterior appearance, prompting LDG to completely redesign both the floor plan and architectural expression while retaining the existing foundations. The result is a home that feels entirely cohesive and purpose-built.
Instead of the imposing façades often associated with luxury estates in the neighbourhood, LDG introduced multiple zinc-clad gabled roofs that divide the home's mass into a series of smaller architectural forms. This approach softens the building's overall scale while giving it a timeless character inspired by traditional farmhouses.
Natural light plays an equally important role throughout the design. A dramatic skylight stretches the full length of the entrance hall, flooding the interior with California sunshine from the moment visitors arrive. Another skylight positioned above the staircase draws daylight deep into the centre of the home, creating bright, welcoming interiors throughout the day.
"We are always looking at opportunities for innovation and how the light moves through the spaces," explains Richard Landry.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing reinforces the home's connection to its surroundings, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Large sliding glass walls frame landscaped views while encouraging natural ventilation and effortless movement between the house and its gardens. Textured glass panels positioned around the entrance and staircase maintain privacy without compromising daylight.
"Creating definition for the site really influenced our design," says Mungall. "The site gave us the opportunity to design park-like rooms and create memorable moments for reflection, viewing art and entertaining."
The generous grounds become an extension of the architecture itself. Beyond the expansive lawn and knife-edge swimming pool sits a detached cabana housing a gym and pool bathroom, echoing the language of the main residence while supporting the family's relaxed California lifestyle.
The architectural palette is deliberately restrained. Natural stone, timber and zinc establish a timeless exterior, while salvaged oak flooring and aged limestone continue inside, introducing warmth and texture that balance the home's clean contemporary lines.
Collaborating with LDG, Harte Davis Interior Design developed interiors that honour the architecture while elevating the farmhouse concept through carefully layered materials and sophisticated detailing.
Founder Sheldon Harte focused on creating what he describes as "opposites-attract" moments throughout the home. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the dining room, where a sculptural crystal chandelier with a contemporary knotted silhouette floats dramatically above reclaimed French oak flooring, creating a striking dialogue between old and new.
The home's smoky palette of grey, taupe and charcoal creates an atmosphere that feels both calming and luxurious. Plush velvets soften the harder architectural materials, while bespoke furnishings ensure every room feels equally suited to everyday living and formal entertaining.
The residence also serves as a gallery for the owners' exceptional contemporary art collection, which includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, George Condo, Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. Rather than competing with the artwork, the interiors provide a refined backdrop that allows each piece to command attention.
One of the home's most memorable architectural moments is its dramatic floating staircase. Harte enhanced this sculptural feature with a bespoke runner handwoven by Tibetan artisans, introducing centuries-old craftsmanship into an unmistakably contemporary setting.
The result is a modern farmhouse that feels neither rustic nor minimalist, but instead strikes a masterful balance between comfort and sophistication. Through thoughtful architecture, timeless materials and richly layered interiors, this Los Angeles home proves that luxury today is defined not by excess, but by warmth, craftsmanship and spaces designed to be genuinely lived in.
Credits
Images: Manolo Langis
