Cover Villa La Maida is a Mediterranean Revival-style residence characteristic of the resort-like villas in the Italian region
Villa La Maida is a Mediterranean Revival-style residence characteristic of the resort-like villas in the Italian region
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Shlomi Sfadia of SLS Properties Inc brings Mediterranean magic to the San Fernando Valley with a touch of Tuscany
Los Angeles-based architectural and design firm SLS Properties Inc brings a slice of dolce vita to the charming and vibrant Valley Village in San Fernando Valley–a friendly neighbourhood that straddles suburban tranquility and urban convenience.
Sprawling over 5,400 sq ft, Villa La Maida is nestled among the existing mature trees of the site that form the front courtyard and back garden. The two-storey home comprises five bedrooms and seven bathrooms–each afforded verdant views and natural light through the Crittall-style windows–as well as a pool house, a theatre room and an outdoor shower.
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Above Shlomi Sfadia, founder of SLS Properties Inc
Shlomi Sfadia, founder of SLS Properties Inc
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“My goal is to introduce architectural styles that are rarely seen in the greater Los Angeles area,” says Shlomi Sfadia, founder of SLS Properties Inc. “When people walk into the homes I’ve built, I want them to feel transported to another destination, inspired by the various places that have influenced my designs.”
For Villa La Maida, the destination is a Tuscan villa in Italy, as he adds: “when they step into the backyard, I hope they feel immersed in the natural beauty of the Italian countryside.”
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The two-storey residence is shrouded by the existing mature trees of the property
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Built and completed in 2024, the Mediterranean Revival-style residence is characteristic of the resort-inspired villas in the Italian region. With an added personal touch, it is topped with a fusion of multiple architectural designs and influenced by high-end luxury hotels Sfadia has seen in various cities and properties.
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The sprawling backyard with a swimming pool and pool house
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From the get-go, he remained faithful to his vision for the home. From the driveway that branches to other exterior areas, the pathways are composed of gravel, installed with a special process called chip seal–the application of a thin, emulsified asphalt layer, followed by another layer of small aggregate “chips.”
“This ensures durability through everyday use while maintaining an old-world touch,” he explains.
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These gravel paths border the enveloping landscape, featuring plants commonly found in Tuscan villas–olive trees, cypress, rosemary and lavender–tying in with the Tuscan feel of the home.
The living room with neutral-coloured plaster walls and white oak flooring
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When building the surrounding walls of the property, Sfadia wanted to create something unique that he had not seen before, and decided to use imported reclaimed wood railroad ties for the walls adjacent to the neighbouring homes.
“Initially, one of the neighbours was not a fan of the idea and thought they were not aesthetically pleasing,” he recalls. “However, now that the project is complete, these walls are one of the most frequently complimented elements of the home.”
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A mix of finishes in the open-concept dining and kitchen area
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“I strive to introduce new concepts and ideas that many builders tend to avoid, and which others often second-guess and struggle to understand why I take such extreme risks to create a unique home,” shares Sfadia, regarding this particular experience that reinforces why he continues to trust his instincts regardless of others’ opinions.
He continues: “However, once the house is complete and my vision comes to life, everyone realises that each unique challenge serves a purpose–collectively contributing to give the home a distinctive feel and character.”
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The theatre room with dark green plaster finishes
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In an attempt to infuse a lot of character and warmth into the home, Sfadia incorporates a mix of finishes in the open-concept interior, including various natural materials like reclaimed wood and white oak, as well as natural stones like limestone and travertine.
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Neutral-toned plaster walls dominate the spaces, such as the living room, where an arch-shaped fireplace, flanked by niched wooden shelving, echoes the archway at the Mediterranean-inspired front entrance.
Here, an expansive sliding glass door opens into the swimming pool in the backyard, strengthening the zen-like atmosphere of the space by welcoming in the lush greenery outside.
The primary bathroom exudes a spa-like retreat atmosphere
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Through black metal-framed grid windows, natural light permeates the dining and kitchen area, where white oak flooring correlates with the wooden cabinetry and dining chairs.
A common area is uniquely carved out upstairs, where a bench and built-in planter in front of the fireplace offer a perfect space for the family to gather and unwind together.
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Above The airy, zen-like primary bedroom on the second floor
The airy, zen-like primary bedroom on the second floor
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Above The arch-shaped fireplace reminiscent of Mediterranean architecture
Above The hidden vanity and wardrobe area with warm wooden furnishing
The arch-shaped fireplace reminiscent of Mediterranean architecture
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While the majority of the colours and finishes in the home are neutral, Sfadia inverts the design narrative for the theatre room and the pool house, bringing a touch of surprise and boldness to the project.
The dark green plaster finishes of the theatre room create a cocooned experience when the family gathers for movie nights, whereas underneath the clay-tiled roof, the pool house features a dark burgundy palette that enhances the countryside charm with a Mediterranean flair.
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Credits
Photography: Todd Goodman / LA Light
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
