Big Sur House: A Canyon Compound Above the Clouds. Hidden within a lush fold of Topanga Canyon, sunlight filters through ancient trees and hawks drift effortlessly across open skies, this remarkable Craftsman compound evokes the spirit of Big Sur, wild, soulful, and deeply connected to nature. Perched above the canyon with sweeping views toward Saddle Peak and Powderhorn Ranch, the property unfolds as a collection of inspiring living spaces designed for gathering, creativity, retreat, and possibility. Wake to birdsong drifting through open French doors and the first golden light spilling across the canyon. Step onto a sun-drenched deck with a cup of coffee in hand as morning mist lingers in the folds of the hills below. Vaulted ceilings soar above the grand living room, where a dramatic stone fireplace anchors the heart of the home. Expansive windows, skylights, and multiple view decks invite the landscape inside, creating a constant dialogue between architecture and the surrounding wilderness. The open kitchen and dining spaces flow effortlessly together, framed by vistas of rolling hills and mature trees that shift beautifully with the changing light. The primary residence is currently configured as two interconnected homes, offering extraordinary flexibility. The upper levels feature a luminous great room, an expansive walk-in pantry, laundry, and beautifully appointed bedroom, while above, the primary retreat feels suspended among the treetops, complete with a spa-inspired bath, private deck, and an additional bedroom with an ensuite with a steam shower. Each bedroom opens directly to outdoor living spaces, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Below, a separate living level offers its own entrance, elegant kitchen, inviting living room with fireplace, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and private deck, creating an ideal guest residence, creative workspace, or income-producing opportunity. A connecting staircase allows the home to function seamlessly as a grand five-bedroom residence when desired. Beyond the main home, a thoughtfully designed wellness space with gym and sauna sits at the center of the compound. Nearby, a charming guest apartment with its own fireplace, deck, one bedroom, and private entrance offers a welcoming retreat for visitors, while above it, a bright loft-like one bedroom residence, with an additional sleeping loft, crowns the property, capturing canyon views from every angle. A shared laundry room is available for the smaller units. A Solar system provides green energy. Life here unfolds at the perfect intersection of wilderness and community. In the morning, set out for miles of hiking, riding, and exploration through nearby Topanga State Park, one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the world. Return for lunch at a beloved local cafe, browse the eclectic shops and galleries of Topanga Village, or enjoy an afternoon yoga class just minutes from your door. As the day unfolds, the legendary beaches of Malibu await only fifteen minutes away, where sunsets paint the Pacific in shades of gold and rose. Equally convenient, the Valley lies just fifteen minutes in the opposite direction, offering effortless access to the broader city while preserving the feeling that you have escaped it entirely. Throughout the grounds, patios, decks, and quiet garden moments provide endless opportunities for contemplation, entertaining, or simply listening to the breeze move through the trees. Yet worlds away from the pace of modern life, this rare seven-bedroom, six-bath compound offers the ultimate canyon lifestyle, equally suited for a multigenerational retreat, an artist's haven, a boutique hospitality vision, or a private residence with substantial rental income potential. A place where mornings begin above the clouds, afternoons drift between canyon trails and ocean horizons, evenings end beneath a canopy of stars, and every day feels like a permanent vacation in the heart of Topanga.
For sale
$1,899,000
178 Muerdago Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
7beds
4,500sqft
Residential, Single Family Residence
Built in 1988
0.4 Acres Lot
$1,870,500 Zestimate®
$422/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Elegant kitchenPrivate deckSun-drenched deckLuminous great roomOpen french doorsBeautifully appointed bedroomSpa-inspired bath
- 21 days |
- 1,138 |
- 135 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Adrian Wright DRE # 00935559 818-939-6415,
Compass 310-230-5744,
Jordan Wright DRE # 01952694 818-746-6987,
Compass
Source: CLAW,MLS#: 26839089
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Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 7
- Bathrooms: 6
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 3/4 bathrooms: 4
Rooms
- Room types: Bonus Room, Breakfast Bar, Converted Garage, Dining Room, Entry, Family Room, Formal Entry, Garage Apartment, Great Room, Guest House, Guest-Maids Quarters, Gym, In-Law Suite, Living Room, Loft, Pantry, Patio Covered, Patio Open, Separate Maids Qtrs, Walk-In Closet, Walk-In Pantry
Bedroom
- Features: Walk-In Closet(s)
Bathroom
- Features: Double Vanity(s), Remodeled, Shower Over Tub, Tile
Kitchen
- Features: Ceramic Counters, Gourmet Kitchen, Pantry, Remodeled, Tile Counters
Heating
- Central, Fireplace(s), Propane
Cooling
- Air Conditioning, Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Built-In And Free Standing, Propane Cooking Appliances, Electric Oven, Gas Cooktop, Double Oven, Range, Range Hood, Dishwasher, Dryer, Exhaust Fan, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Vented Exhaust Fan, Washer, Instant Hot Water, Tankless Water Heater, Propane Water Heater, MultiTank Water Heater
- Laundry: Laundry Room, Other, In Unit, Propane Dryer Hookup
Features
- Beamed Ceilings, Cathedral-Vaulted Ceilings, High Ceilings, Living Room Balcony, Living Room Deck Attached, Open Floorplan, Wired for Data, Storage, Turnkey, Built-Ins, Breakfast Counter / Bar, Formal Dining Rm, Kitchen Island
- Flooring: Engineered Hardwood, Ceramic Tile
- Doors: Double Door Entry, French Doors
- Windows: Double Pane Windows, French Windows
- Number of fireplaces: 3
- Fireplace features: Family Room, Guest House, Living Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 4,500
- Total interior livable area: 4,500 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 5
- Parking features: Driveway
- Uncovered spaces: 5
Features
- Levels: Multi/Split
- Stories: 3
- Entry location: Mid Level
- Patio & porch: Concrete Slab, Covered, Covered Porch, Deck, Enclosed, Living Room Deck Attached, Patio, Porch, Front Porch, Roof Top Deck, Wood, Wrap Around
- Exterior features: Balcony, Rain Gutters, Living Room Balcony
- Pool features: None
- Spa features: None
- Fencing: Other,Privacy
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Canyon, Fields, Hills, Mountain(s), Panoramic, Tree Top, Trees/Woods
Lot
- Size: 0.4 Acres
- Features: Front Yard, Gutters, Landscaped, Wooded, Yard, Canyon, Rural, Park Nearby
Details
- Additional structures: Accessory Bldgs, Cabana, Guest House, Attached Guest House
- Parcel number: 4445013006
- Zoning: LCR11L
- Special conditions: Standard
- Other equipment: Cable, Network Wire
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Craftsman
- Property subtype: Residential, Single Family Residence
Materials
- Wood Siding, Wood Product Walls
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- Updated/Remodeled
- Year built: 1988
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: District
- Utilities for property: Cable Available
Green energy
- Energy generation: Solar
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Topanga
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $422/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $947,030
- Annual tax amount: $12,014
- Date on market: 6/1/2026
- Road surface type: Paved
Estimated market value
$1,870,500
$1.78M - $1.96M
$7,525/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/1/2026 | Listed for sale | $1,899,000+137.4%$422/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 8/18/2015 | Sold | $800,000+0.1%$178/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 7/3/2015 | Pending sale | $799,000$178/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14741901 Report a problem | ||
| 6/30/2015 | Listed for sale | $799,000$178/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14741901 Report a problem | ||
| 6/30/2015 | Pending sale | $799,000$178/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14741901 Report a problem | ||
| 6/17/2015 | Price change | $799,000+6.5%$178/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14741901 Report a problem | ||
| 2/25/2015 | Pending sale | $750,000$167/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 2/22/2015 | Price change | $750,000-5.1%$167/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 2/17/2015 | Pending sale | $790,000$176/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 12/30/2014 | Price change | $790,000-12.1%$176/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf Realtors #14741901 Report a problem | ||
| 12/23/2014 | Listed for sale | $899,000$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 11/22/2014 | Pending sale | $899,000$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 5/16/2014 | Listed for sale | $899,000$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 4/21/2014 | Pending sale | $899,000$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 4/1/2014 | Price change | $899,000-7.8%$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. #14-741901 Report a problem | ||
| 3/8/2014 | Listed for sale | $975,000+8.5%$217/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf Realtors #14741901 Report a problem | ||
| 3/21/2013 | Listing removed | $899,000$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett Rapf & Associates - Topanga Office #12623979 Report a problem | ||
| 11/1/2012 | Price change | $899,000-2.8%$200/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf Report a problem | ||
| 10/8/2012 | Price change | $925,000-2.5%$206/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf Report a problem | ||
| 9/26/2012 | Price change | $949,000-2.7%$211/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf Report a problem | ||
| 9/12/2012 | Listed for sale | $975,000+122.1%$217/sqft |
Source: Pritchett-Rapf Report a problem | ||
| 9/6/1996 | Sold | $439,000$98/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $12,014 +3.4% | $947,030 +2% |
| 2024 | $11,621 +2.2% | $928,462 +2% |
| 2023 | $11,371 +5.7% | $910,258 +2% |
| 2022 | $10,761 +1.9% | $892,410 +2% |
| 2021 | $10,556 -0.8% | $874,913 +1% |
| 2020 | $10,646 | $865,943 +2% |
| 2019 | $10,646 +5.6% | $848,965 +2% |
| 2018 | $10,080 | $832,320 +2% |
| 2017 | $10,080 +2.1% | $816,000 +2% |
| 2016 | $9,876 +2.5% | $800,000 +34.5% |
| 2015 | $9,631 +33.3% | $594,902 +2% |
| 2014 | $7,227 | $583,249 +2.5% |
| 2012 | -- | $569,230 +2% |
| 2011 | -- | $558,070 +0.8% |
| 2010 | -- | $553,900 -0.2% |
| 2009 | -- | $555,217 +2% |
| 2008 | -- | $544,332 +2% |
| 2007 | -- | $533,660 +2% |
| 2006 | -- | $523,197 |
| 2005 | -- | $523,197 +4% |
| 2004 | -- | $502,882 +1.9% |
| 2003 | -- | $493,667 +2% |
| 2002 | -- | $483,989 +4% |
| 2000 | -- | $465,197 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: 90290
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 10/10Topanga Elementary CharterGrades: K-5Distance: 0.2 mi
- 4/10Woodland Hills Charter AcademyGrades: 6-8Distance: 5.7 mi
- 9/10Palisades Charter High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 4.9 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- District: Los Angeles Unified
Source: CLAW. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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Local buyer's agents are ready to help
- California
- Los Angeles County
- Topanga
- 90290
- 178 Muerdago Rd





