Home of the Week: Tropical Modern in Los Feliz

THE Los Feliz hills may be known for Spanish- and Mediterranean-style architecture, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for something a bit more exotic. Just how unusual? Garrison Leigh, the owner and designer of this nearly half-acre, landscaped property, describes his home as “Tropical Modern.”

“When the gates open, you feel like you’re in the hills of Hawaii,” Leigh said, “but you’re two minutes from Vermont and Los Feliz.”

The actor, father of three and former ballet dancer got his inspiration for the redesign of the two-story, light-filled house from the existing bamboo and lush surrounding landscaping.

“The property felt Balinese and very private,” Leigh said. “My wife and I wanted a place that’s peaceful and calming, like being at a resort.”

About this house: To achieve that resort vibe, Leigh and his son Zachary, who partnered in the remodel, selected special woods and organic materials for the interior. The kitchen, living-room and dining-room floors feature a travertine marble called Ocean, which is infused with grays, blues and whites. The entryway, media and upstairs rooms have tigerwood floors, an exotic Brazilian hardwood, for a touch of warmth.

Taking advantage of the home’s city and Griffith Observatory views, the Leighs installed two sets of 10-foot sliding pocket doors, crafted from Spanish cedar. The sliders open to the spacious backyard, which features a swimming pool with a Baja shelf.

Features: This “smart house” comes with a Creston security system; remote computer control of the air conditioning, lighting, television and other electronics; high-end European kitchen appliances; white lacquer kitchen cabinets; a spa-style master bath; and a separate guesthouse.

Asking price: $4,299,000

Size: The 4,000-square-foot house has four bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms on a 19,458-square-foot lot.

Where: 2494 N. Edgemont St., Los Feliz, open today from 1 to 4 p.m.

Listing agent: Michael Orland, Keller Williams Realty Los Feliz. (323) 300-1030.

[email protected]

To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution photos with caption info on a CD and a description of the house to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012. Send questions to [email protected].