This Bel Air estate is proof that a residence can be extensively updated without losing sight of its original intention. Constructed in 1951, this home was revived by House of Rolison as an organic, contemporary residence. Set on 1.99 acres, the property remains a striking example of mid-century Japanese-meets-California architecture. The estate is arranged across three separate structures and includes seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Priced at $25,000,000, 851 Strada Vecchia Rd, Los Angeles, is listed by Farrah Brittany and Mauricio Umansky at The Agency.
Rather than replacing the home’s original character, House of Rolison focused on refining it for contemporary living. The design team approached the project with the goal of preserving the architecture that first defined the residence, recognizing its significance as a Japanese-inspired retreat.
House of Rolison’s principals, Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn, were in charge of this restoration project. The duo has also designed homes for celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter and Blackpink’s Lisa. Taylor had a familial connection to the home’s history, reinforcing the decision to protect its original identity. Wellness became the primary guiding principle throughout the redesign.
The sense of seclusion begins well before the front door. A pair of 12-foot entry gates opens to a long private driveway set just off Bel Air Road, gradually revealing the estate. Once inside, the scale of the interiors becomes apparent through 16-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and expansive skylights that bring consistent daylight deep into the home. Broad expanses of glass also maintain a strong connection to the surrounding landscape and distant ocean views.
Natural materials establish the home’s modern, organic palette. Stone appears throughout the interiors in multiple forms, creating visual continuity and a sense of permanence. Tumbled limestone introduces texture along surfaces. Clay finishes also add depth while keeping the interior understated. Marble is used extensively, including dramatic slab applications in bathrooms. Every finish was selected with durability and non-toxic performance in mind.
The main living areas continue the sleek, natural approach. An open floor plan encourages movement between the kitchen and entertaining spaces. A large island anchors the kitchen beneath a vaulted ceiling finished in dark wood, while black stone surfaces and integrated shelving add a contemporary touch.
The primary suite is a perfect exemplification of the home’s wellness focus. Its bathroom is finished almost entirely in marble, with slab walls, matching countertops, and a sculptural soaking tub set within a dedicated alcove. The suite also includes a separate outdoor bathing area, extending the serene experience beyond the interior.
Outdoor amenities reinforce the retreat-inspired feel. A resort-style pool is joined by a private sauna and an outdoor kitchen designed for entertaining. Added by the House of Rolison team, a quarter-mile walking trail winds across the property’s 1.99 acres, connecting the pool area with the guest quarters. More than a renovation, the project demonstrates how a historic mid-century home can elevate modern living and evolve into a complete sensorial experience.
Listing: 851 Strada Vecchia Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077 [The Agency]
