Large family room with 26’ ceilings, giant wall of windows overlooking greenery, and cozy fireplace for gathering in groups; gourmet kitchen perfect for entertaining; cozy bedrooms for quiet introvert breaks. Also an intimate backyard (with the sound of our neighbors koi pond) full of green perfectly hidden from other properties with a backyard studio perfect for yoga or music jam sessions.
The Space
Large open living room, large kitchen with eat in nook (we use it for both an office workspace and dining), half bath (off the kitchen), and small computer workspace comprise the first floor (along with the entryway). There is a garage that we no longer use for parking, but have added a bedroom and full bath that I use as my own small apartment when I need time away from kids ;-). There is also a full laundry set up in the garage, an extra refrigerator, a small writing desk, and general storage there. There are two beds in that bedroom, as well as a convertible footstool-into-single-bed (kids used to insist on sleeping in my room). The staircase to the second level starts in the living room and splits to both sides of the house, with the Master bedroom on one side (along with a bathroom the size of some studio apartments…with a heated floor, a bidet toilet closet, a soaking tub overlooking the backyard, and a steam shower. There is an unfinished balcony off the master bedroom capable of housing a small outdoor table and chair for morning coffee. On the other side of the house, the stairs lead to the two children’s bedrooms, connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom, with a jacuzzi tub, two sinks, and a heated floor. One room is the “bunk bed room”, where our two younger boys sleep (there are 2 singles and one full bed in here, with the possibility of adding a 4th twin air mattress under the full bed; the other bedroom is the teenager’s “man cave” and has a double bed and a single convertible loveseat bed. There is a computer set up in this room, but we would ask that it be left untouched/unused. Driveway can hold two cars; there is also unlimited street parking on our street, and a basketball hoop in the driveway. We have bicycles here that may be used. Backyard has a patio area for seating, a grill, an Ooni pizza oven, a trampoline, a swingset, and a plethora of balls and sports equipment and games for kids of all ages. The “backspace” is a yoga studio, music studio, let-kids-literally-bounce-off-walls multipurpose space and also allows for 2 additional sleep surfaces—stacked gymnastic pads that can be used as a comfy mattress as well as a convertible sofa bed.
Guest Access
2 total floors. Main floor is flat with low thresholds, so conceivably handicapped accessible (we do have a neighbor in a wheelchair who comes over with little issue), but would be difficult to access the garage bedroom for any sleep surfaces. One short half flight of stairs to a landing, then one full fight of stairs to either side of the 2nd floor. Backyard is sloped.
**please note that we are open for hosting PLU travelers, but in that case will only be able to accept people willing to stay in the backspace, as we will all be occupying the bedrooms**
Notes
Biggest caveat (or selling point, depending on your point of view?)is that we are a pet loving family with a big, furry menagerie that will need looking after while you are here (unless we are hosting you in the backspace while we continue to occupy the main house). We have 3 senior dogs (Boxer mixes), 6 cats, soon to be 3 guinea pigs, and 2 dwarf African frogs. We do have a dog walker who comes once a day to take them out, and they have access to the backyard when someone is home to let them in and out. We also have neighbors able to pop over to check on animals on an as-needed basis if you are out for a long stretch of sightseeing. But generally, dogs can be left alone, crated, for 4-5 hours at a time. You’d be responsible for daily feeding, watering, backyard poop scooping, and litter scooping/checks. Also, expect a lot of lap sits and snuggles and bids for treats and affection.
*we are NOT a house for people with pet allergies*
*we do, however, have very little in the way of carpets or draperies, because of a dust mite allergy in our family*
We are on a sidewalk-less, tree lined street with a very neighborly feel. We are dear friends with a few of the neighbors immediately near us who are like family to us and will be an invaluable resource for you if anything is needed during your stay. We are near everything you might need—shopping, groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, freeway access and local transit. We are on the west side of Los Angeles, about 20 minutes from the beach, close to multiple parks for kids, very near a public library. Easy day trip drive to a couple of beautiful state parks and hikes. Near studio lots (Universal is an easy drive).
We are 0.8 miles from the closest train stop
There is a bus stop at the end of our block
Free street parking on our street (as well as driveway access)
*possibility of using our car during your stay, kids’ booster seats available for use*