Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has purchased a whimsical storybook-style house balanced high atop a hillside near Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Built in the 1920s, the $1.45-million home features three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. By Brent Furdyk
Cottage Living
Looking like it belongs in the pages of a fairy tale, this cottage in the woods is surrounded by mature trees and lush flora. The steep stairway leads to a dreamlike three-story home with red brick and white plaster façade and picture windows.
Melding of Styles
The listing describes the home as a “romantic melding” of Spanish, French, Mediterranean and English architectural styles. Outside is a whimsical bridge reminiscent of a something the seven dwarves would cross on their way to work. It’s set above a pond to this patio space – one of two.
Dreamy Living
Turn the page and the fairytale continues inside the home, which enters to a large step-down living room. Featured here are large windows and French doors leading to a balcony. The rolled ceilings are stunning and the chimney of the brick fireplace has a whimsical little nook.
Creative Shelving
It’s always interesting to see the different ways designers find ways to utilize the space under a staircase. In this view from the living room we see these lovely in-set bookshelves, as well as glimpsing the downstairs powder room and view into the bright and cheerful dining area.
More of the Living Room
Another view of the living room shows the exposed beams and paned windows that give a view of the stunning outdoor surroundings.
A Space for Living
This view of the living room really shows its size. The shelves and ledges are built-in and the wood floors, coupled with the view of the treetops outside, provides this room with a treehouse feel.
Cooking Space
The recently updated galley-style kitchen features top-notch appliances and very cool charcoal-coloured flagstone flooring.
Kitchen in the Clouds
These sky-like blue walls are fitting given the views of the surrounding trees and canyon view. The white slab marble countertops and cabinets contrast as clouds and the sunshine-yellow walls of the dining room peek through the door.
Breakfast Nook
This built-in breakfast banquette is a cozy eating area, boasting those gorgeous windows and the garden view.
Bright and Cheery
The dining room, painted in a bright and cheery canary yellow, has fanciful diamond pane windows that open up like doors.
Olé!
While it may be a little off the beaten path when it comes to home decor, but who doesn’t love a Mexican-themed bathroom? The tiles are unique and the rough plaster-finished walls give this room a rustic feel.
Charming Hallway
A quick jaunt up the stairs and you’re presented with this lovely bright hallway, that also acts as a sitting area. Natural light streams in from all the various windows and a door to a terrace completes the space.
Sliding Doors
We’re loving this amazing, one-of-a-kind, oversized glass-paned sliding door in one of the bedrooms, located in a partially hidden area under the dining room.
Wherefore Art Thou?
We move back upstairs to the uppermost floor check out the upstairs bedroom. The thin slat wood floors add to the cottage feel, and we’re pretty sure there’s a Romeo beneath that lovely little Juliette balcony.
Office Space
This year, Wainwright released “Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets,” a tribute album commemorating the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. As for his next release, this oval office, complete with built in shelving and large windows, may be where he writes his next great work.
Modest Master
The master bedroom is modest in size but is bright and cheerful, and features a large bay window along with diamond-paned windows letting in the light. There’s also a separate dressing area that opens to a terrace and ensuite.
Napping Nook
The bedroom also incorporates a lovely long-cushioned window seating area where you can soak up the sun, enjoy the view or nap the afternoon away.
Ensuite
Adjacent to the master is this modest ensuite that also provides a view. It features a compact travertine-floored soaking tub and separate shower space with built-in bench seat.
Another View
This view from one of the two outdoor terraces looks onto the lush landscape and rustic façade of the back of the house. Again we see those cool diamond-paned windows.
Elevated Outdoor Living
Cottage life continues here high up on the second terrace, ideal for lounging or dining. The low stone wall sits beneath a rustic fence.
HGTV your inbox.
By clicking "SIGN UP” you agree to receive emails from HGTV and accept Corus' Terms of Use and Corus' Privacy Policy.