Houzz TV: A Most Unusual Indoor-Outdoor Connection
The location was perfect. Nestled in the woods of Los Angeles, surrounded at night by deer and coyotes, with no neighbors to speak of, this 1950s Hollywood Hills abode was the perfect California hideaway. A five-minute drive put you on Hollywood Boulevard. The western red cedar exterior looked like a cabin, but the midcentury layout felt fresh. Jack Latner had found the perfect house before he even stepped inside.
In 2009, after a year of searching, Latner bought the 1950s Val Powelson home from its third owner. He was easily sold on the property; an 800-square-foot master bedroom addition that enclosed a decades-old California sycamore tree only sweetened the deal. “I thought it was one of the coolest things I’d ever seen,” he says.
The concept is a bit goofy and just slightly novel to me. The massive trunk in the kitchen creates quite an impression but the the trip hazard in the master bedroom seems impractical and adds little or nothing to the space.
Although the house as a whole is a wonderful example of the "outside in/inside out" concept, the tree trunks do nothing to further the idea.
Years ago, a set designer friend built his home in the Hollywood Hills around a tree.
He collected antique toys and his living room was full of display cases full of the toys.
He created his daughter's bedroom to be a "treehouse" with the tree growing up through and around her room. So gorgeous!!
Always wanted to live in a tree house full of glass.
Growing up in Marin County, I visited my math teacher, who had a tree growing up in the middle of his living room.. He lived in a small Frank Lloyd House. Every since then 1960, I've wanted a home like this.
Fabulous!!!
Wow! Awesome to the 10th power! I used to live in the Hollywood Hills in the late 60's early 70's and this video took me back to the good-old-days Now we live in a hillside home in Baja, California Mexico overlooking the ocean. I look forward to somehow incorporating some of Jack Latner's design and style aesthetics into our South-of-the-Border home (which also features a huge amount of windows to view nature). Truly inspirational and the only home that I've ever seen where I wouldn't change one single thing (except maybe the duvet cover in the master bedroom) :-)! Thank you for sharing! P.S. The black and white mural is life changing!
A little slice of Heaven ☮️, Congrats on a job well done!!
Not a fan. The tree is dead. It needs a support beam to keep from falling over. Although I guess that resolves any questions you'd have about the tree expanding, or growing new roots. I would feel like it was a failed project, something I couldn't keep alive, hanging over my head all of the time.
That black-and-white mural is gorgeous. I don't know what Mr. Latner and his lovely wife do for a living, but I think taste like theirs needs to be shared. I can't imagine their not being successful as designers.
Amazing property. I wish I could drive into the Hollywood Hills, see such a stunning property and actually buy it!!!
Like the person above, I am not on the duvet cover in the master bedroom, but I am also not keen on the black and white mural. I find busy to the extent that it detracts from other elements of the room and adjoining rooms.
Why sweat the small stuff......live there in a heartbreak. I have always enjoy LA!
Beautiful home that could make me become a midcentury convert! I wouldn't want to leave it either, Marci : ) Well done, Jack and thanks for sharing!
I love every single inch of this home! So tastefully done, with heart and soul. And seeing such two happy people living in it. I especially loved that Jack kissed Marci during the footage. What a sweet pair!!!
Can I see just photos of this house without watching a video?
I would love to have a tree house, but this isn't it. But I do understand why the owners love it. My family once stayed in a vacation house built around a tree in N.C. It was creepy and damp and buggy. So glad for the owners this one is bright and sunny.
Marci and Jack, thanks for letting us be frequent house guests!
Gorgeous, gorgeous house. I would never leave that house. Where can you go that's better than that place. Love it!
Just fabulous! A dream home for sure.
Just stunning. I would die there. :) Please include me for cocktails there one day. And if you're planning on getting married...I'll marry you for free! :) Google my name :) Peace & :) Marie Tyler Wiley
Where's the swimming pool!?!
Good looking dog!
Chezron, there's a link to the story under the video player. Or you can go to it here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28942738/list/houzz-tv-a-most-unusual-indoor-outdoor-connection
I saw the name and wondered about the Canada Latners. If related, I sort of understand how that house could have been purchased at first look and then additional square footage added.. Not a concern! As for the home it is exceptional. The couple seems to have a firm hand on what they have and are fully able to control of any problems associated with the tree. The art is appropriate and well placed.. I do wonder about fire and all that scrub on the hill throughout the canyon. Not a house for kids, especially toddlers, when that time comes. Still, enjoy as long as you are happy. From Bob Seger:
"In those big city nights
In those high rolling hills
Above all the lights
With a passion that kills
In those Hollywood nights
In those Hollywood hills..."
I love everything about this house except for the huge jagged horizontal black lines, which are too overpowering. Everything else; It's da bomb!
A dream house. Truly astonishing ❤
An amazing home!
I love how he said that the tree is like a member of the family! A tree in the family tree!! Gorgeous, well thought out house, inspirational art collection, and a really interesting, happy couple. Wonderful article!
Yes it does feel like you"re in the woods. The total surroundings and everything that goes with it gives you a feeling of not really belonging but you are there. the only thing missing is a nice body of water coming out the floor or a beautiful fountain designed especially for the house . I would not want to leave ever. I"m a writer and this home would really inspire me.
I love this house, the architect, and the clients. They get it! They have created a home that tells their story. It is reflection of who they are. In addition, they have created an experiential experience. The tree becomes this great design element that ties the home together. It is brilliant. I appreciate how they used the same architect for the additions to the home. It helps to create a sense of cohesiveness throughout.
As a designer in Los Angeles, we know how important having a seamless flow from the indoors to the outside is for our clients. Outdoor entertaining is an integral part of our lives, since we have beautiful weather year round. Why not enjoy it?
One of my favorite houses on Houzz. Love it. Well done, guys.
I love every square inch of this story ! The
Simplicity in the design only augments
Believing love is what makes a home . Thanks for sharing!
Cool approach respecting the nature :)