Elevated Living in the Hills of Hollywood

Photography by Shawn Bishop

After several years of fine-tuning design and careful renovation, a mid-century tree house is being listed on the market for the first time. Designed by Douglas A. Brown and commissioned for the Freund couple in 1952, this home was intended to display their art collection after years of traveling the world. Since the inception of the home, their family grew to five members thus forcing the owners to expand and repurpose the space. Later, two architect firms, Liberstudio and Matlin & Dvoretzky, were hired and did a scrupulous job at making the home adaptable for three children.

This unique property stands on a steep hillside where a lush landscape lives vibrantly down below. From outside, the intention in design was clear; to make the home one with its environment. The dark brown wooden siding and forest green trim matches the treetops above. This matured vegetation can be seen all throughout the property. When looking down below, glimpses of the buzzing city reminds one of their location. Without these views, it would be easy for one to forget and be surprised that they are only a stone’s throw away from the Sunset Strip. With city convenience and world-class entertainment just around the corner, this property’s vivacious .16 acre lot is the ultimate escape.

Structurally, the glass doors, corner windows and fixed windows throughout the two floors allow for a constant stream of natural light to interact with throughout the day. The interior of the home features 2,500 plus square feet of living space, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, two levels of hardwood floors, artisan stained glass, original built-ins and dark wood paneling. These features have been weaved seamlessly together putting on display how careful the renovations and craftsmanship had to be in order to have preserved the vintage space to what it is today. Leading to the master bedroom, one will walk up a ‘floating’ staircase where they will mosey into a dreamy bedroom with high ceilings and a wrap-around balcony offering scenic views below.

Walking out of the living room through impressive floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, the distinction between indoor and outdoor living becomes blurred. The two spaces are brought together, making entertaining a joyous occasion. Stepping out onto the wooden deck, a patio and outdoor spa awaits any lucky guest. Elevated living in the Hills of Hollywood is now available and yet the next owner will have to act fast. Deasy Penner Podley’s listing agent Maureen Erbe remarks, “It’s a very dramatic, architectural and sophisticated home, yet simultaneously so warm and comfortable.”