Artist, Sculptor, and MacArthur Genius Liza Lou Lists Her Dreamy California Compound for $2.5M

Set on just under an acre, the Topanga property packs in four structures and inspiration galore.
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Immersed in nature, The Topanga Art House has offered a tranquil refuge for creatives since it was first built in the 1930s. The estate, which is nestled in the Fernwood tract of Topanga, California, was originally passed down through one artisan family for nearly 70 years.

Tucked underneath thick vegetation, the Topanga, California, property offers four structures: a main residence, a guest cottage, a Japanese-inspired pavilion, and an art studio.

Tucked underneath thick vegetation, the Topanga, California, property offers four structures: a main residence, a guest cottage, a Japanese-inspired pavilion, and an art studio.

Noted artist and sculptor Liza Lou purchased the property in 2000 with her partner, graphic artist Mick Haggerty. Since then, the couple evolved the grounds into the enchanting haven it is today. Now, the duo is looking for a new adventure and recently listed the compound for sale.

For the last 20 years, the Topanga Art House has been owned by Liza Lou, the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Award, and her partner, graphic artist Mick Haggerty. Here is a look inside the main residence, which features cathedral ceilings and polished concrete floors.

For the last 20 years, the Topanga Art House has been owned by Liza Lou, the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Award, and her partner, graphic artist Mick Haggerty. Here is a look inside the main residence, which features cathedral ceilings and polished concrete floors.

The offering includes a 1,472-square-foot main residence, a two-bedroom guest house, a Japanese–inspired pavilion, and of course, an art studio. Landscape features, such as a koi pond and waterfall, enhance the property's serene environment while connecting the various structure. Scroll ahead to see more of the idyllic property, listed for $2,500,000.

Measuring 1,472 square feet, the main home boasts a massive great room. Expansive windows usher in natural light, which illuminates the space's mix of custom and vintage furniture.

Measuring 1,472 square feet, the main home boasts a massive great room. Expansive windows usher in natural light, which illuminates the space's mix of custom and vintage furniture.

Another look at the kitchen. Cement blocks book-end floating wood cabinetry topped with Carrera marble. A large, walk-in pantry offers ample storage.

Another look at the kitchen. Cement blocks book-end floating wood cabinetry topped with Carrera marble. A large, walk-in pantry offers ample storage.

Open shelving complement the minimalist space.

Open shelving complement the minimalist space.

The living sits opposite the kitchen, grounded by a concrete fireplace and a large bookshelf near the dining area.

The living sits opposite the kitchen, grounded by a concrete fireplace and a large bookshelf near the dining area.

A bedroom sits just off the living area.

A bedroom sits just off the living area.

More bookshelves span a the wall in the bedroom. A cedar, walk-in closet is located behind a hidden door.

More bookshelves span a the wall in the bedroom. A cedar, walk-in closet is located behind a hidden door.

A large cactus garden extends a warm welcome outside the detached art studio.

A large cactus garden extends a warm welcome outside the detached art studio.

Offering 1,000 square feet, the all-white studio is literally a blank canvas for creativity. The space also features a storage area and bathroom.

Offering 1,000 square feet, the all-white studio is literally a blank canvas for creativity. The space also features a storage area and bathroom.

Charming footbridges lead through a jungle-like landscape to the detached 750-square-foot guest cottage.

Charming footbridges lead through a jungle-like landscape to the detached 750-square-foot guest cottage.

Inside the cottage, built-in shelving encases the windows along one wall.

Inside the cottage, built-in shelving encases the windows along one wall.

Numerous windows flood the two-bedroom cottage with natural light.

Numerous windows flood the two-bedroom cottage with natural light.

Rounding the property is a Japanese–inspired pavilion that measures 600 square feet.

Rounding the property is a Japanese–inspired pavilion that measures 600 square feet.

A koi pond and waterfall feature create a serene environment around the structure.

A koi pond and waterfall feature create a serene environment around the structure.

A Japanese soaking tub sits on the porch, offering an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate.

A Japanese soaking tub sits on the porch, offering an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Inside, the pavilion is cloaked in wood.

Inside, the pavilion is cloaked in wood.

Stone floors run throughout the space, which is capped by a large window and door leading back outside.

Stone floors run throughout the space, which is capped by a large window and door leading back outside.

In addition to a raised vegetable garden, the property is also dotted with numerous fruit and olive trees. A colorful, open-air tent provides yet another secluded corner for relaxation.

In addition to a raised vegetable garden, the property is also dotted with numerous fruit and olive trees. A colorful, open-air tent provides yet another secluded corner for relaxation.

819 Fernwood Pacific Drive in Topanga, California, is currently listed for $2,495,000 by Paul Ferra and Melissa Oliver of Coldwell Banker.

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