Four Oaks Topanga, Estate of the Day

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed)
Jun 27th 2010 at 1:01PM

You've got to love a little old with the new. Set in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains just a few miles inland from the beaches of Malibu, a Topanga Canyon home with a little history is on the market for $3,799,000.

Its guest house is said to be the original site of a stage coach stop and markings on the original stone fireplace deem it "Four Oaks." The gated property has about 2.5 acres and has been totally remodeled. Designer Baron Jean Van Gysel brought in pieces from Europe that are incorporated in the landscaping and structure -- including a 1700's Blessing Stone from an old French chapel that is set in the wall opposite the front door.

The home has Venetian plaster throughout -- including the ceilings. There are wide plank hardwood floors, mixed with polished colored concrete all set in hues of honey beige and brown. The interior is flooded with light -- a product of ample windows, high-beamed wood ceilings and skylights. There is a revolving wall in the master suite, for reasons unbeknownst to us, although we think it's a pretty nifty design feature. And the kitchen has high-end appliances -- a Wolf range and Sub-Zero frig.

The detached guest house is where the history happened. The structure is made of old stone and is believed to be the original stage coach stop. Some locals say it may be the oldest standing structure in Topanga. Its fireplace has the date "1909" written in the mortar between the stones and the stones contain fossils of seashells from when Topanga was underwater.

The property is landscaped with fruit and olive trees, roses, herbs and an ancient oak grove that borders a creek which has Chumash metates used for crushing seeds. There is a pool and spa with an automatic cover and a wide lounging veranda.

Pritchett Rapf agent Christine Kapetan, based in Topanga, has the listing.

Gallery: Four Oaks Topanga

Tags: california real estate, estate of the day, topanga

Filed under: Estates

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

gregg Jun 27th 2010 4:20PM

An amazing piece of property! I love the seclusion and the heavily wooded site, and the interiors have been beautifully done. The bathroom is particularly nice. I wouldnt change a thing. The setting is absolutely gorgeous!!