2551 Old Topanga Canyon

Steven Kent, AIA, Architect | Topanga Residence, 2024. Currently under construction, this home is the latest and most sophisticated of dozens of homes by the Malibu architect, well-known for his minimalist modern aesthetic. Here on a breathtaking site with panoramic views of the sandstone outcroppings of Red Rock Canyon, and easy access to horse and hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, the architect demonstrates his skill and facility with scale, proportion, materiality, and site specificity. Unassuming from the street, the home is anchored into bedrock, cascading gently down the sloping site to a luxurious infinity pool and a large flat pad at the base of the compound. A separate driveway at the far end of the property provides access to a second pad with approved plans for a 2-bed, 2-bath ADU. The great room on the first level has an open plan focused on the living room fireplace at one end, dining in the middle, and a precise Italian kitchen at the other. A large guest suite and secondary bedroom surround the Dolby theater. Glass doors pocket away, so the interior flows seamlessly to the exterior, where a large deck embraces the pool, with outdoor living, dining, barbeque, and bar areas, and plenty of room for lounging in the sun. A floating stair connects to the entry level on top, with three-car garage and a spacious primary suite with attractive fireplace, separate tub and shower, and a large outdoor patio with sunset views. The fourth bedroom doubles as home office, with its own outdoor deck overlooking the surrounding terrain. The attention to detail throughout the project is exemplary, with full-height doors, minimal modern jamb conditions, an elegant palate of materials, and continuous floor-to-ceiling glass, shielded by generous overhangs. Scheduled for completion in October of this year, and showing now to discriminating buyers and their agents.