3611 Colonial Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Description

Set behind tall hedges and mature ficus trees in gardens by landscape designer Jay Griffith, this three-story residence by architect Bill Tsui rises in crisp white volumes above an extra-deep saltwater pool, with a light-filled detached studio across the garden. Griffith installed the landscape and has continued to tend it ever since, and the house is built around two ideas: a first floor that opens completely to the garden, and two upper floors kept quiet and private, all on a 7,500 sq ft lot in the heart of Mar Vista. A new redwood front deck sets the tone at the entry, framed by sculptural plantings and fresh exterior plaster. Inside, wide-plank wood floors, expansive walls of glass and a sculptural timber staircase with geometric metal railings establish the home's character, with greenery in view at nearly every turn. Just beyond the entry, the dining room is anchored by a statement chandelier and generous windows. The adjoining kitchen pairs clean-lined white cabinetry and warm wood floating shelves with a generous center island, Bosch double ovens and a new refrigerator. The sunken living room is the heart of the house, wrapped in nearly floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the pool, spa and gardens. A stone fireplace, custom hand-painted in lime paint and finished with a warm wood mantel, anchors the room, and sliding glass doors open straight onto the entertaining deck. Made for hosting, the house has welcomed a wedding reception, graduations and big birthday parties, with room for about 75 guests on the first floor and in the garden, and closer to 100 with the second floor deck and the studio open. Upstairs, the house turns private. A second floor den opens to its own deck. On the third level, a dramatic picture window frames the treetops and introduces the primary retreat, where sliding glass doors open to a private deck with views to the ocean. The suite includes two walk-in closets with custom wood cabinetry and a newly built bathroom with dual vanities, a freestanding soaking tub and a glass-enclosed shower. Outdoors, the hedges and ficus trees keep the house and pool private, and layered tropical planting closes the city out. The extra-deep saltwater pool and heated spa glow with underwater lighting, with a new saltwater system and a recently upgraded heater. A spacious wood deck, built-in fire pit and outdoor BBQ with sink set the stage for long dinners and afternoons beneath the trees. Across the garden, the detached studio fills with light through soaring ceilings and expansive windows, with an open living area, a loft-style sleeping space and a bathroom. The owners have used it as a guest retreat and an art and filmmaking studio. The adjacent covered two-car garage is set up for a second washer and dryer. Thoughtful upgrades include new floors, warm LED lighting throughout the house, studio and garage, fresh exterior plaster, roofs replaced on the main house and studio, a new garage roof in 2026, a sewer line cleaned in 2026, solar power, and a new washer and dryer. The home measures approximately 3,755 square feet in total: approximately 3,149 in the main house and 606 in the studio. Ideally positioned in the heart of Mar Vista, the home sits minutes from the Grand View and Venice Boulevard corridor, one of the Westside's best dining stretches. Start with dinner at Beethoven Market, the neighborhood's Cal-Italian favorite. Then work through Chez Mar's raw bar, Craig Hopson's Electric Bleu, Little Fatty and Little Dynamite, with natural wine at El Chucho to close the night. Sundays belong to the Mar Vista Farmers Market, with coffee at Alana's or Bluey's along the way. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Erewhon cover the everyday shopping, and Mar Vista Recreation Center, Gregory Ain's mid-century Mar Vista Tract, Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney and downtown Culver City are all just minutes away.