Cover Lush, mature greenery surrounds OSKLO’s California-colonial style residence project with an oval-shaped pool
Lush, mature greenery surrounds OSKLO’s California-colonial style residence project with an oval-shaped pool
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LA-based design studio OSKLO restores the romance of a 1940s estate with a renovation that fuses historical reverence with quiet modern luxury
The Beverly Hills Post Office neighbourhood in Los Angeles–roughly one-third the size of Beverly Hills proper–provides larger land parcels at more attractive price points while delivering superior views and privacy compared to its famous neighbour.
Situated approximately 1.6 kilometres north of the Beverly Hills Hotel and a mere five-minute drive from Rodeo Drive–one of the world’s most expensive streets–this unincorporated neighbourhood offers what many seek but few find in the City of Angels: space, seclusion, and spectacular views, all while maintaining proximity to the city’s most prestigious addresses.
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Above Arya and Michael Martin of OSKLO (Photo: Michael Clifford)
Arya and Michael Martin of OSKLO (Photo: Michael Clifford)
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Here in the increasingly coveted location sits a California-colonial style residence, originally designed in the 1940s by Georgius Y Cannon, a protégé of renowned Californian architect Wallace Neff.
The double-lot property features a signature style of exaggerated lines and extended forms, evident in the tall chimneys and long façade.
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“We were immediately charmed by the house,” recalls Arya Martin, co-founder of Los Angeles-based design studio OSKLO. “Old towering trees were overgrown and touching the roof rafters with white stucco details that made you feel like you were in a different time, and far away from the city with a huge backyard.”
An old towering tree provides ample shade for the California-colonial style residence
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In an era when heritage structures often fall victim to demolition in favour of new construction, OSKLO’s approach is a powerful counterpoint with preservation-minded renovation that honours architectural heritage while embracing contemporary California living.
“We wanted to reconstruct the house but at the same time maintain its look and pedigree,” explain the designers, who conducted extensive research on classic Beverly Hills homes from the 1940s, drawing inspiration from Neff and Paul Williams for the exterior restoration.
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Completed after just over a year of meticulous remodelling, the façade showcases a creamy white stucco exterior framed harmoniously against century-old brick hardscape with solid redwood framing. Additionally, copper sconces with flickering gas wicks add both period authenticity and romantic ambiance.
The expansive backyard with an oval French grey-bottom swimming pool
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In the expansive backyard is an unusual architectural element for properties in the area: an oval French grey-bottom swimming pool recalls the glamourous golden age of Beverly Hills.
Concrete outdoor furnishings from Big Daddy Antiques create multiple zones for poolside relaxation and fireside gatherings to enjoy Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
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“Everything is surrounded in lush, mature greenery, especially after Los Angeles’ several years of above-average rainfall,” notes Arya.
The storybook pool cabana that has been reimagined as an artist’s studio (Photo: Sam Frost)
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Perfectly positioned in between is the storybook pool cabana that has been reimagined as an artist’s studio–a charming focal point with its Palladium adornment.
Inside, a sophisticated blend of periods and influences unfolds: an 18th-century marble relief of a small child, alongside more contemporary elements like a pair of Jeanneret chairs upholstered in emerald pony hair, a custom Studio OSKLO coffee table, and a vintage rug sourced from Hong Kong.
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The light-filled living room with a marble fireplace (Photo: Sam Frost)
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The home’s split-level layout positions the main bedrooms and kitchen on the upper floor, with a built-out basement housing a screening room and compact office space.
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All rooms face rear elevation that provides an unexpected bonus: panoramic views overlooking Beverly Hills and “an unknown lake that’s used for drinking water,” describes Michael Martin, the other half of the OSKLO design duo.
“While the lake is off-limits to people, flocks of birds can always be seen going back and forth, framing an amazing sunset,” he observes.
Ample light and views in the dining area
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Throughout the interior, OSKLO maintained original architectural elements wherever possible–doors were preserved, mouldings meticulously replicated, and brickwork carefully restored.
“From colours to window details and moulding choices, we really felt like the past offered most of our architectural answers,” says Arya.
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Striking a balance between historical reverence and contemporary comfort, seamless herringbone oak flooring anchors the home with warmth, as sophisticated accents of white and grey marble, limestone, and rift oak cabinetry punctuate with dramatic elegance.
Herringbone oak flooring anchors the kitchen with warmth (Photo: Sam Frost)
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Meanwhile, the colour scheme remains deliberately understated, as Michael explains: “We never stray far from the lighter colours of the Pantone chart. We stuck to classic variations of white but then added a few darker tones that lend a moodier feel.”
Understated, elegant and refined, the indoor spaces are then furnished with a carefully orchestrated mix that echoes a gentle European country vibe with select accents of Japanese and primitive accessories.
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The television room in the built-out basement with a custom-built banquette
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The living room centres around an Oliver Gustav sofa that emphasises togetherness, while a commanding Paul Franklin abstract oil painting overlooks the marble fireplace flanked by antique side chairs in matching washed linen.
A brushed fusion blue marble built-in bar counter completes the space designed for sophisticated entertaining, where homeowners and their guests may adjourn to the low-level terrace that overlooks the backyard and the Los Angeles skyline beyond.
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Above The circular primary bathroom suite
The circular primary bathroom suite
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Above The shower area is wrapped in Calcatta Gold marble (Photo: Sam Frost)
Above Palladian architecture with curved French doors (Photo: Sam Frost)
The shower area is wrapped in Calcatta Gold marble (Photo: Sam Frost)
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In the dining room, Studio OSKLO dining chairs upholstered in natural shearling surround a custom table crafted in Arabescato Orobico Grigio marble, while the television room features a custom-built banquette in linen paired with a Studio oak table, creating a more casual gathering space.
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Even the office space exhibits thoughtful curation, with a 19th-century aged Japanese desk and antique lounge chairs from the 1960s creating an environment that’s both functional and inviting.
The high-ceilinged master bedroom suite
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The main bedroom showcases the OSKLO Pavilion king bed complemented by walnut nightstands and a custom marble console, all arranged over a luxurious Lawrence of La Brea rug.
Meanwhile, in the guest room, a Ralph Lauren bed in pewter velvet shares space with a Gio Ponti writing desk, bentwood chair, Charlotte Perriand desk lamp, and custom Studio OSKLO walnut nightstands.
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Above A Charlotte Perriand desk lamp on the Gio Ponti writing desk (Photo: Sam Frost)
Above A walnut nightstand paired with a Lawrence of La Brea rug (Photo: Sam Frost)
A Charlotte Perriand desk lamp on the Gio Ponti writing desk (Photo: Sam Frost)
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“In my early 20s, friends of mine would host the most beautiful dinner parties at an estate in the same area, where people would read poems amid a collection of blue-and-white pottery in this home that had not been touched in decades,” recalls Michael, for whom the project carries personal significance beyond its architectural merit.
He continues: “They eventually sold the property, and it was torn down to create a 20,000-sq-ft mega-mansion. I’m reminded of it every time I see that hillside, but luckily, we were able to create a tasteful renovation that respects this home’s past and the legacy of this amazing area that’s relatively unknown in Los Angeles.”
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Credits
Photography: Thomas Jung
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.
