A private home in the hills of Los Angeles, USA, designed by local design Studio Osklo. The site, with its original natural forest landscape, is spectacular and attractive, prompting the designers to modernize the interpretation of the traditional farmhouse. The designers sought inspiration from the Belgian style, adding subtle tawdry tones to the humble building, which allows the building to blend better into its natural surroundings.

Located above the Sunset Strip, the allure of this 706-square-metre residence with minimalist interiors is its bucolic feel that has nothing to do with the shiny side of the city.  Behind old, reclaimed oak gates that lead to a cobblestone driveway and charming inner courtyard entrance, lies a singular compound designed by Los Angeles-based studio Osklo. This property is located in the sought-after and very private Doheny Estates neighbourhood — a development atop the Hollywood Hills that dates back to the 1960s — in an area referred to as the Bird Streets.

“What first drew our attention was the wide, open and flat lot that feels like it could be in Connecticut or some part of the wild”, remembers Arya Martin, who cofounded Osklo with Michael Martin. “With a protected space to the rear, there is virtually no neighbour. The pool opens to this incredible free space where every day you see a family of deer eating, an occasional bobcat and one of the most beautiful displays of birdlife right in your own backyard. How could we not build a farmhouse?”

The design came naturally. For this home surrounded by 100-year-old sycamore, elm and eucalyptus trees, wildflowers and native plants, Osklo wanted to create a gentler visual footprint compared to the larger, mostly white architecture of the area, in addition to putting a modern spin on what would be a traditional farmhouse.