Designed in 1952 by Douglas A. Brown for Gary and Enid Freund, a film editor and travel agent, respectively, this West Hollywood home was governed by Enid’s discerning eye and taste. Here, the couple raised three children, the cheerful and lively home growing and evolving with them through the years.

Enid describes them as “an adventurous, intellectual, and cultured couple.” The two met while attending the University of Southern California and bonded over their love of style, humor, and travel; as collectors, they picked up furniture, art, and other pieces on their adventures to display in the home. Fittingly, their residence is just as complex as their varied interests.

“The home has a magical duality,” says Enid. “It’s a very dramatic, architectural, and sophisticated home, yet simultaneously so warm and comfortable.” Perched above the buzz of the city, the three-bedroom, four-bathroom house is just over the Sunset Strip and Doheny but feels like a private, tree house–like retreat.

Looking in, the residence does appear an oasis—clad in dark wood and immersed in lush foliage, the boxy abode embodies indoor/outdoor living with a sunny deck and patio.

Nearly every element is original to the home, from the artful staircase to the dark wood paneling, and from the stained glass windows to the terra-cotta tiles and brick surrounding the two fireplaces. Hardware, light fixtures, and even the vivid, patterned wallpapers remain untouched. Stepping in, it does indeed feel like a time capsule.

An abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to permeate the home while providing treetop views. Throughout the house, plenty of open shelving encourages artful displays, and whimsical ’80s wallpaper adds a touch of quirkiness.

The house is not without updates, however. In 1968, Matlin & Dvoretzky instilled drama with the cantilevered, sunken living room, and the original white stucco facade was replaced with wood siding that was more suitable to the green landscape. Then in 1985, Liberstudio Architects enlarged the primary suite with built-ins in the closet and a very mod bathroom featuring a crimson soaking tub that peers over the city. Newer to the house is the exterior hot tub, paint, and carpet.

In addition to the upper deck, a spacious patio is shrouded by treetops with the spa nestled in the corner. It’s no wonder the family lived in the home for 68 years. Now, the children are in their 60s, and Enid, now 91, is living in a high-rise above the Santa Monica Pier with an abbreviated collection of her treasures.

1341 Sierra Alta Way in Los Angeles, California, is currently listed for $1,952,000 by Maureen Erbe, Henry Blackham, and Bonnie Matthews of Deasy Penner Podley.

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.

Appears In

A Magnetic L.A. Midcentury Arrives on the Market for the First Time Ever at $1.95M