Description

When Ben Sherwood, designer of Los Angeles' famed Snow White cottages, built this home in Rossmoyne, he chose a gently elevated lot and positioned it to capture sweeping views toward Downtown Los Angeles and the Glendale skyline, long before those skylines took shape. He brought with him a clear architectural sensibility rooted in old-world design, shaping a residence defined by intention, detail, and enduring charm. Set in Rossmoyne, the home opens to a front courtyard shaded by a mature tree, where a flagstone path and original mosaic tile at the entry mark a clear and memorable arrival. Exposed wood beams, hardwood floors, and corner fireplace give the living room its character, with built-ins and French doors opening back to the courtyard, where shifting light throughout the day adds a quiet, almost storybook quality to the space. Arched openings guide the flow into the dining room, where large French windows bring in natural light and the same beam detail continues overhead. The kitchen sits just off the dining room, with tilework that remains consistent with the home's period and character, and opens to a breakfast nook tucked beneath an arched ceiling with built-in niches, creating a small, tucked-away space that looks out to the garden, where mature roses and a bird bath attract a steady presence of seasonal birds. Upstairs, all three bedrooms are positioned away from the main living areas. The primary suite feels like a private retreat, with a sitting area, a fireplace, and French doors that open to a balcony overlooking the surrounding greenery and distant city views. A walk-in closet and a beautifully appointed bath complete the suite, in keeping with the home's overall character. A loggia-style outdoor living space extends directly from the main living areas, with exposed beams overhead, textured plaster walls, and an arched brick fireplace anchoring the space, which takes on a warm, atmospheric, and dreamy quality as the light fades in the evening. There is space here for both dining and seating, with easy access to additional patio and grassy areas beyond. The casita sits toward the rear of the lot and includes its own bathroom, offering flexibility for guests, a home office, or studio use. The street-to-street lot allows for access from Mountain, where a detached garage is positioned at the rear of the property. Throughout, tilework, plaster walls, wood beams, and arched transitions remain consistent with the home's period and character, reflecting Sherwood's approach to design and proportion. Later additions, including the casita and primary expansion, were also completed under his direction, maintaining continuity with the original structure.