1520 Bonnell Drive, Topanga, CA 90290 (MLS # 25563875)

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Own a Topanga Landmark. At the far end of the Historic Bonnell Park, a storied New England style compound is set in lush, verdant, meadows, framed by towering oaks, cottonwood, maple, and ash trees. With the park serving as a de facto front yard, the white house with inky black shutters sits behind a long, flower-framed, white picket fencebeckoning as if from a bygone era. The cluster of 3 homes, encompassing the entire end of the Bonnell Cul de sac, harkens to farm country, with the main house sitting on over 1 1/3 acre of flat lawns and gardens. The two smaller cottages, each in a private, fenced yard, sit on a separate, adjoining 1/4 acre lot. Strawberry peak and Little Rock, two local icons, serve as a backdrop to this home. The history of Topanga is told here. The homes were once part of the original John Bonnell estate which includes "The Old Stone House"considered the oldest house in Topanga, built by Jack Wood, a pioneer stage and Post Office mail driver. They have been owned by just 2 families over the past 70 years, and were reimagined by Topanga's renowned architect, Cary Gepner, into the graceful sanctuary they are today. The brief was to seamlessly meld the indoors and out, so every room took in the beauty of the incredible grounds. He delivered. Rooms flooded with abundant natural light, encompass the perfect flow for celebrations, or quiet enjoyment. Visitors to the park often exclaim it is the "most beautiful home in Topanga!" Now is your chance to own this lyrical property, with its saltwater pool and spa, fruit trees, and gardens, all set along the banks of Old Topanga Creek. Over the years, this home has been cast as an East Coast home in movies and tv shows, because it calls nostalgically to us of simpler times. But the interiors are updated with serenely minimal rooms perfect for modern country living. Bare feet pad across polished old oak floors. The front foyer opens to a gracious, soaring, two story living room, with a classic fireplace. A wall of French doors looks out from the living room and spacious dining room to where deer meander, and hawksfloat on updrafts. The inviting open kitchen, with its vast island, hosts a crowd. Doors flung open to the huge patio, pool and spa, allow for that quintessential California indooroutdoor life! The spacious primary suite opens to the pool through French doors. Its bright bath, with a steam shower, vintage fixtures and a clawfoot tub opens to a poolside shower. Two other bedrooms with sun-splashed windows sit on the main level. A captivating suite of rooms under the eaves include an antechamber under automatic, venting skylights, that is perfect for reading or drawing. A small nook nearby entices as a hideaway play room. The bedroom up here is a fantasy space ripped from a classic tale, with windows overlooking the estate. The endearing one bedroom cottages share the same bright, pristine spirit as the main house, each with a fireplace. This home has an old soul, but a youthful spirit. Classical landscaping, with abundant flowers, bowers of roses, and trees laden with fruit surround the homes. Birdsong brightens your mornings, and frogs, crickets, and the soft hoot of owls serenade you at night. A chicken coop awaits hens. Protected Bonnell Park, Topanga's Halloween destination, is owned by a neighborhood association, and development of the park is forbidden. Red Rock State Park, Summit to Summit, and Backbone hiking trails are nearby. Topanga's cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks are close by. Malibu's fabled beaches are near enough to feel the coastal breezes. Hop to the 101 or the westside. You can have your rural dreams, and your big city life, too. The magic of this home abides, with shooting stars, darting bats, and the burble of the creek. And now you can weave your life into the sweet tale of this storybook home.

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