Leaving behind the iconic coastal lifestyle of Malibu, a family has built a serene retreat in Tarzana that prioritizes craftsmanship, natural materials, and a peaceful pace. Their new home marries the grandeur of European design with California’s indoor-outdoor ethos to create a warm, livable sanctuary for daily family life.
- Sprawling 7,300 sq ft single-story home with six bedrooms
- Central courtyard and soaring windows maximize light and openness
- Organic modern style inspired by European materials and craftsmanship
What happened
A creative couple decided to move away from Malibu’s iconic ocean views to seek tranquility in the leafy Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. Their goal was to build a forever home that felt more like a European hotel than a beach house—an elegant retreat focused on comfort, craftsmanship, and natural materials.
Designed and built from the ground up by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan, the house spans 7,300 square feet and organizes six bedrooms around a generous, U-shaped central courtyard. The layout balances dramatic scale with a warm, intimate feel, featuring 12-foot ceilings and large steel-framed windows that bring light and air into every room.
Why it feels good
Every element of the home was chosen to create a calm and restorative environment ideal for family life. Rather than chasing fleeting design trends, the couple embraced timeless European influences that grow more beautiful with age, such as warm plaster walls, tumbled limestone floors, aged brass accents, and imported olive trees.
The home’s inviting atmosphere is enhanced by thoughtful details like Belgian linen drapes and vintage Persian rugs that add depth without sacrificing comfort. Features like the central courtyard, French iron doors, and natural stone walls evoke a Mediterranean villa, making peace and serenity tangible every day for the family and their three dogs.
What to enjoy or watch next
This home is a great inspiration for anyone seeking to create a living space that is both impressive and deeply personal. The blend of European elegance with Californian indoor-outdoor living encourages slowing down and savoring simple pleasures in a beautiful setting.
For those interested in organic modern design, exploring how natural materials age gracefully and create warmth over time can be rewarding. Watching for upcoming projects by Lidan Sfadia and Edward Grigoryan may reveal more innovative homes that prioritize livability as much as style.