Located in what can only be described as the desirable part of town, the home of Whilo founder Karina Calvert-Jones is a worthy entry into the Los Angeles neighbourhood lust list. With sweeping proportions and extensive outdoor living spaces the home feels more like a Tuscan villa than an inner-city family base, testament to the rustic decor and natural materials.

Sitting pretty at the end of a long driveway the house is flanked by landscaped gardens and neighbours such as Brooke Shields and Steven Spielberg (to name drop just a little). The stone exterior and double parquet wooden doors set a welcoming tone for not only Karina and the family but for all their Australian family and friends that come to stay throughout the year. This clearly is not your usual stuffy Hollywood Hills mansion. With an emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship throughout, the home features exposed beams, timber floors and an abundance of natural light. Stepping into the antechamber entrance you’re greeted by the simple white walls and farmhouse-style ceilings that characterise the interior design, as well as the antique furnishings lovingly collected throughout the home.

Curling around a central pool area in a soft U shape, the home maximises the natural light while bringing the interior and exterior spaces together. The living and dining areas are grand in dimension but relaxed in style, with simple open plan layouts and a soft colour palette. Black steel window frames punctuate the warm hues of the timber and stone, while earthy rugs are used in the living and dining areas to add some texture underfoot. While there’s undoubtably plenty of space to enjoy, you get the feeling there’s an easy personality to this home – it’s there to be enjoyed, to be experienced rather than admired from a distance.

The outside spaces are made for entertaining, with the large central pool and courtyard space practically calling your name to take a dip or spend a long afternoon out on a banana lounge. Against the forest backdrop, the setting is tranquil enough to feel as if you’re miles away from the LA hustle. The gardens spread further from the house, with a large open spaces and even a small area and stables to host the family horse.

Living the good life comes easy in this part of the world, but it’s the simple, down-to-earth style of this home that makes it feel like somewhere anyone would feel right at home in. Taking cues from Tuscany in both materiality and aesthetic, the Riviera home is effortlessly relaxed and comfortable, a fitting home base for an on-the-go family.

Exposed timber beams contrast the cream walls and striking black steel windows of the home, complimented by the neutral colour palette of the furnishings and art. 

Flanked by the greenery of the garden on one side and the home on the other, the pool area is a focal point of the home and a central living area in the warmer months.