(This article was published in Design/Build magazine) A rugged slope with a commanding view of Century City, California led Sandra and Lawrence Post to change their minds about moving to e remodeled older home in Beverly Hills and re-think their “empty-nester” abode. Former inhabitants of a contemporary home, the Posts decided to build a new home that had classic lines combined with an updated floor plan. The starting point of the Post House was the architecture of Wallace Neff’s 1920s Spanish Colonial revival style architecture interpreted by award-winning architect, Richard Landry, AIA. Access to the front of the home is from a curving, flagstone driveway with acid-washed concrete boarders leading into e generous porte-cochere that conceals a pair of two-car garages. “It’s a very bright house in contrast to homes built during the 1920s period,” said Landry. “Light comes in from all sides.” The beautifully-landscaped, L-shaped front yard leads visitors into the main entrance of the home with its double-height foyer and grand staircase. The main gallery with its classical arches and groined vaults, distributes circulation to the formal living room and library and the more casual family room and kitchen The library is a work of art with its cherry-wood panels and a delicate, gold-leafed dome. Bookshelves in the room rise one-and-a-half stories and a handy gliding ladder facilitates access to the books. Windows on three sides provide plenty of natural light. The interior designed, Frank Pennino, worked with Landry early on to blend lighting, furniture and antiques for the desired effect. “The interior designer understood the architectural vision,” said Landry, “it was a whole team effort.” The 10,000 sq.ft. home necessitated large furniture pieces, and the homeowners searched antique stores and scoured auctions for a whole year. The high-ceilinged dining room has an elaborately carved armoire and antique chandelier while the living room displays a coffered ceiling of painted wood, which adds period-style character. Other rooms of the house abound with well-researched traditional details and proportions. In the rear of the house, a covered loggia with its limestone hearth, canvas drapes and light, wrought-iron indoor/outdoor furniture sets the scene for visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of Los Angeles. Rear terraces and a retaining wall allowed the back landscaping to include an infinity-edged pool and a formal Italianate garden on the lower level. An “AV” room off the loggia allows guests to enjoy all types of media entertainment with nearby access to the kitchen and breakfast room. Covered terraces on both and first and second floors take advantage of the sweeping panoramic views with balustrade-lined balconies adorning the upper level. Upstairs amenities include his-and-her master baths and closets, a gym, an office, and two secondary bedrooms. The downstairs guest bedroom is accessed by an entrance door tucked under the foyer staircase, giving an added sense of privacy. From start to finish, this fabulous custom home took less than two years to complete – six months for the design work and 14 months for construction. Publications : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8