Captivating Imaginations - Page 2

Walking across a spherical stone path "evokes crossing a river on lily pads," as the property's description points out. A lovingly maintained Japanese maple tree was given its own custom accommodation so that it can grow up through the roof.

Entering through the gold-painted front door, past sliding-wall panels, and into the time-capsule kitchen, the beauty and adaptability of a home's flexible open plan is evident. Matching, period-perfect clay lanterns adorn the entry and living room clerestory. A balcony opens from the living room and looks out onto a lush garden of camellias and ferns, with the canyon below.

"Elivia was a very prolific artist, and her yarn tapestries were displayed throughout the house," Hodson says. "The house was furnished quite nicely, with significant objects d'art...they had beautiful taste."

There is a tranquil reading room that opens to the front garden, and a formal dining room with built-in china cabinets, and sliding doors that open out to a large roof deck.

The living room is finished with wood-paneled walls, a modernist brick fireplace, built-in book shelves, and a large rectangular, raised skylight.

"The clerestory, with its surrounding windows, provides beautiful light into that room. You can look up and see the trees, and the hawks flying over," says Hodson. "Thiederman was also an amateur astronomer, added Hodson, and "there was an observatory, with a large telescope, where you could gaze up into the night sky."

The main spiral staircase descends into a master bedroom that has its own fireplace and a wall of windows opening to the garden.

Crossing over to the opposite wing of the house, one encounters an expansive office space with a custom built-in desk designed by the architect. Sliding wall panels separate the office from a large, ensuite bedroom that opens into the lush rear garden and courtyard.

This unusual home was truly designed in the modern spirit, a design for living and being inspired by nature. "The property has really captivated people's imaginations," Hodson says. "I'm getting calls every day."

For additional photos and info on 205 Lake Drive, click here.