This timeless Topanga Canyon compound combines organic materials with careful attention to coziness. Built into a wooded hillside, the home is defined by its creative use of wood, stone, and glass. It sits in upper Fernwood in Topanga Canyon, about a mile from the village center. The property includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with roughly 3,300 square feet of interior space. Priced at $2,399,000, 1273 Fernwood Pacific Drive is listed by Jordan Wright at Compass.
The design follows an Arts and Crafts approach, with an emphasis on visible structure and natural finishes. A gated entrance leads to a handmade wood gate and a small bridge that connect to the front porch. The house follows the slope of the land, with exposed beams, wood-framed windows, and a layout that responds to the terrain.
The living and dining rooms are centered around a Batchelder-tiled fireplace. French doors and large windows bring in steady natural light, making the spaces feel bright and open while still grounded by warm details. High ceilings with exposed beams add height, while plaster walls and detailed woodwork bring texture. Subtle, informal elements introduce a sense of natural whimsy.
The primary suite is located on the lower level for optimal privacy. French doors open onto a deck set above the canyon. The refined bathroom is lined with windows, allowing light to move through the space throughout the day. The layout is simple and functional, with a focus on comfort and separation from the main living areas.
Two additional bedrooms share a bathroom and are positioned to receive good natural light. One includes access to a wraparound deck with views of the surrounding landscape. A large media room is equipped with a built-in screen and surround sound. It can function as a screening room, studio, or exercise space, offering maximum flexibility.
The outdoor areas are organized into thoughtfully terraced sections. Winding pathways connect planted areas across the property. These include a lush lavender garden, fruit trees, grapevines, and herbs. The landscaping has a subtle fairytale-like quality, with a gazebo and smaller seating areas set between plantings and boulders. The backyard is enclosed, creating a usable outdoor space for a range of activities.
Upgrades include a new roof and a solar system supported by two Tesla batteries. These improvements increase efficiency while maintaining the original structure. A two-car garage, extended driveway, and additional storage support daily use. The home is also reinforced with deep foundations suited to the hillside setting.
Wood beams and stone elements anchor the design, while large windows frame spectacular views of the surrounding canyon. Overall, the property feels like a true retreat, removed from the city and immersed in the surrounding trees and landscape. It offers a sense of privacy and calm, with spaces that open directly to nature. This is a compound that feels entirely integrated into its setting, a tranquil escape designed to connect residents with the earth around them.
Listing: 1273 Fernwood Pacific Dr, Topanga, CA 90290 [Compass]
