A Vision Realized: European Elegance in the Heart of Tarzana
“Two years ago, Lidan Sfadia and I sketched what at the time felt like a dream on paper,” recounts developer Edward Grigoryan. “A year ago, it was just dirt. Today, it’s a reality that still leaves me breathless.” This breathtaking reality is a sprawling 7,300-square-foot, U-shaped single-story residence nestled in Tarzana, a serene San Fernando Valley enclave celebrated for its tranquil residential character and seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Marrying the rustic charm of Tuscan architecture with the refined lines of Craftsman influences, this exceptional home is meticulously organized around a central courtyard, fostering an intimate connection with its verdant surroundings.
Embracing the Landscape: An Italian Welcome
From the moment one approaches, the home’s Tuscan spirit is palpable, beginning with its meticulously curated landscape. Mature olive trees, thoughtfully imported from Napa Valley, punctuate the grounds, while limestone-clad walls, gracefully draped in climbing vines, set a picturesque scene. Entry is through grand French iron-framed doors, revealing an interior defined by the tactile beauty of tumbled limestone floors, soaring 12-foot-high ceilings, and elegant Belgian linen drapery that artfully softens the architecture’s impressive scale. Throughout the residence, hand-applied plaster in a warm greige hue provides a serene, neutral canvas, allowing the rich palette of natural materials to truly shine.
Architectural Harmony: Light, Flow, and Zen
The home’s ingenious U-shaped layout orchestrates a harmonious separation, positioning the private quarters in one wing and the vibrant public gathering spaces in the opposite. This design not only maximizes ambient light but also frames captivating outdoor views from nearly every vantage point. At the heart of this architectural embrace lies a central garden, where a shimmering pool, edged with fragrant rosemary, further blurs the lines between built environment and natural beauty.
“From the outset, the home was designed around the concept of a massive central courtyard—so we created a 35-foot bridge at the entrance,” explains Lidan Sfadia, the LA-based developer and co-creator. Yet, perhaps its most dramatic—and undeniably Zen-like—feature is an imported Bonsai tree, meticulously placed by crane into a central atrium. Framed by the surrounding architecture, this living sculpture transforms the atrium into a profound, contemplative pause within the home.
Interiors of Enduring Beauty: Tactile Luxury
Adjacent to the tranquil atrium, an understated kitchen exudes sophistication with custom oak cabinetry, a coveted La Cornue oven, and an island finished in what the designers affectionately term “Bonsai marble”—a detail Sfadia and Grigoryan describe as a “full circle moment.”
Drawing deep inspiration from European architecture, particularly the timeless Tuscan villas where materials gracefully acquire character over time, Sfadia and Grigoryan aimed to craft deeply tactile, atmospheric interiors built to last. “We wanted to create a calm and relaxing environment but with wow moments created by scale,” the duo elaborates.
Gathering Spaces with Grandeur
- The Family Room: A floor-to-ceiling fireplace serves as a sculptural anchor between two generously sized Belgian linen sofas from RH. A jute rug from Lulu and Georgia, two hair-on-hide Pierre Jeanneret-inspired accent chairs, and a custom artwork by local artist Zack Bayati complete this inviting space.
- The Breakfast Nook: A custom travertine table is perfectly paired with woven dining chairs and artisanal accessories from Berber Imports.
- The Formal Living Room: Another commanding fireplace takes center stage, complemented by a lighter-hued Lulu and Georgia wool rug, a bespoke brown suede sofa from a local furniture maker, and a Crate & Barrel lounge chair and coffee table.
Distinctive Dining and Entertainment
In the home theater, olive-toned limewash walls introduce a subtle yet cohesive departure from the home’s overarching palette, creating an intimate cinematic experience. The dining room gracefully returns to the Tuscan-inspired vernacular, featuring an RH brown reclaimed oak table and Belgian linen slipcover dining chairs. An early 1900s antique Persian rug adds a rich layer of pattern and history underfoot, grounding the space with timeless elegance.
Private Sanctuaries: A Resort-Like Retreat
The private rooms seamlessly extend the sophisticated material language established in the shared spaces. The primary bedroom, offering serene garden views alongside its own fireplace, features a Jenni Kayne linen slipcover bed adorned with bedding from Parachute Home. A soft jute rug defines the space, complemented by a seating area with two Belgian linen chairs from RH flanking a stylish Zara Home side table.
The en-suite bathroom is a testament to natural and handcrafted luxury, boasting handmade Moroccan tiles, a sculptural freestanding tub, and an expansive walk-in shower with elegant brass-clad glass doors. A private outdoor space further enhances this spa-like retreat, inviting moments of quiet contemplation.
The Ultimate Achievement: Livability and Serenity
“It’s a resort-like home designed to infuse its inhabitants with a sense of peace and serenity,” Sfadia affirms. “Building a big, one-story home has always been a dream, and this one really brought that dream to life. With 12-foot ceilings and 10-foot-tall windows, the scale is dramatic, yet despite the proportions, the house remains deeply livable—that was always the ultimate goal.”
This exquisite balance of grand scale and profound livability resonated deeply, finding its ideal owners even before formally entering the market. A creative couple, seeking privacy, a slower pace, and a sense of permanence, relocated from Malibu to embrace this unique Tarzana oasis, a testament to its undeniable allure. Photography by Nils Timm.
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