1825 Cerro Gordo St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Echo Park idyll! This reimagined 1920 English cottage atop Elysian Heights is truly an artist's treetop paradise. Shielded from view by a trinity of towering Eucalyptus trees, this home whispers, rather than shouts, from the street. A brick-lined entry and the scent of cascading geraniums draw visitors in, with touches of 1920s charm in the catslide roof line and solid wood plank arched door. Inside, the home belies its exterior with warm blonde wood floors, abundant natural light and highly curated finishes and fixtures. Nearly every design element here feels like functional art, from the Venetian plaster fireplace surround to the custom walnut built-in shelving and wrought iron room divider defining the living and dining spaces. Embodied here is the Southern California functional art ethos of the mid-century era: beauty via simplicity, form, function. A handsome steel and wood floating staircase acts as a sculptural element to introduce a gorgeous sunny kitchen with vaulted ceilings, twin skylights, clerestory window and the rich custom tile floor in the deepest jade hue. Windows are placed so that every one captures a seemingly curated view -- and the scene from the kitchen sink is breathtaking. Upstairs in the primary suite, boasting sitting area, walk in closet, quiet office nook and comfy built-in reading window seat, it's a choose your view adventure: a phalanx of Eucalyptus, a perfectly framed view of downtown LA and beyond, or a garden vista from the soaking tub or balcony. On the main level, three additional bedrooms and another bath enjoy light and more lovely views -- two of the bedrooms enjoy direct access to the spectacular garden. A Certified Wildlife Habitat, these grounds feature meandering paths and offer private sanctuary. Unfolding as an extraordinary tapestry of native oaks and flowering plants, fruit trees, edible flowers and maze-like boxwood-lined paths, this professionally designed, low maintenance space is a nature-loving artist's dreamscape. Don't miss the views to the Observatory and Hollywood sign. This one must be seen in person.