Nestled in the storied Laurel Canyon, Rufus Wainwright’s enchanting 1926 home captures the essence of a bygone era.
Built during the height of the storybook architectural trend, the residence blends romantic charm with modern luxury.
This home serves as a quiet sanctuary where Wainwright has drawn inspiration for his music, including his song “Peaceful Afternoon.”
A Glimpse into Laurel Canyon’s History
Laurel Canyon, long associated with Los Angeles’ cultural history, adds a touch of mystique to this unique property.
Originally built as a potential hunting lodge or weekend retreat, the home is part of an enclave of houses constructed in the 1920s, a time when the area was considered a countryside getaway for affluent residents.
The neighborhood has seen many music legends pass through its winding streets, with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, and Neil Young finding inspiration there.
Wainwright’s home embodies this musical legacy, making it a natural haven for a singer-songwriter.
Architectural Elegance
The home’s design reflects a fusion of various architectural influences, with elements of Spanish, French, Mediterranean, and English styles.
Its storybook character is apparent in details like the vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and mantled fireplace and a whimsical octagonal library with profiles of Wainwright’s favorite writers and composers carved into the shelves.
This home’s main living area serves as the heart of the home, featuring a whimsical fireplace that adds warmth and charm.
The kitchen, equipped with a marble countertop, dual fuel range, and commercial-grade gas burners, is ideal for culinary pursuits.
A spa-like master bathroom, with travertine floors and a soaking tub, offers a serene retreat from the bustle of the city.
Outdoor Spaces and Unique Features
The outdoor spaces are equally captivating, providing multiple balconies for leisure and two outdoor dining areas designed for entertaining.
A lovers’ bridge crosses over a small pond, adding to the fairytale-like ambiance of the garden.
Wainwright and his partner, Jörn Weisbrodt, lovingly maintained the property, incorporating thoughtful touches like handmade tiles on the fireplace and a 1950s ship chandelier from Sicily.
A Place of Inspiration and Creativity
For Wainwright, the home has been more than just a residence; it has served as a source of inspiration for his music.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the singer performed “Robe Recitals” from the living room, offering fans a glimpse into the space where many of his creative moments unfolded.
With a Grammy nomination for his 2023 album “Folkocracy,” Wainwright’s connection to the house is evident in the artistry and care poured into its design.
Preserving a Piece of Los Angeles’ History
Although Wainwright and Weisbrodt have decided to sell the home, their efforts to preserve its character will leave a lasting legacy.
They undertook significant retrofitting and upgrades while keeping the original layout intact, ensuring that the property remains a cherished part of Laurel Canyon’s history.
The new owners will inherit not just a house, but a piece of Los Angeles’ cultural fabric, complete with the echoes of its storied past.
This storybook home, with its romantic details and rich history, stands as a testament to the enduring charm of Laurel Canyon and the creative spirit it continues to inspire.
Photos of the Home
A small balcony peers out from a second-story window, framed by thick branches of a large tree, adding to the fairytale-like charm.
This detached garage sits cozily at the foot of a curving driveway, framed by trees and greenery that create a sense of privacy and seclusion.
The decorative weathervane, silhouetted against the sky, perches atop the house, blending artfully with the surrounding trees in soft golden light.
A cozy outdoor seating area under the trees features comfortable chairs and a daybed, perfect for relaxing in a serene mountain setting.
The stone patio, adorned with rustic wooden benches and surrounded by vibrant foliage, leads to a serene waterfall pond, providing a tranquil escape.
A peaceful pond, tucked into the corner of the garden, holds a trickling waterfall and decorative sculptures, creating a serene oasis amid the greenery.
The striking living room features bold red ceilings and a vintage chandelier, with bookshelves lining the walls and a cozy fireplace adding warmth to the eclectic decor.
A spacious dining room with golden yellow walls and hardwood floors boasts a large table for six, flanked by tall windows that allow natural light to flood the space.
An elegant breakfast nook with blue walls and a built-in bench provides a cozy spot for morning coffee, complemented by a wooden table and elegant chandelier.
This private library, surrounded by towering shelves of books, features a bear skin rug, a gramophone, and an inviting leather chair, exuding an old-world charm.
The bold, eclectic living room displays a grand piano under vibrant red ceilings, with bright yellow curtains framing tall windows, creating a dramatic and artistic atmosphere.
A quaint breakfast corner showcases a wooden table adorned with a colorful runner, all framed by blue walls and illuminated by a decorative bronze chandelier.
This charming desk with intricate details sits against a large window bench, offering a picturesque view framed by nature’s greenery just beyond.
Bright natural light filters into the kitchen through a wide window, highlighting the simple elegance of a deep farmhouse sink and verdant outdoor plants.
Bold and eclectic design defines this bedroom, with its mix of colorful patterns, vibrant textiles, and a unique chandelier that brings playful energy.
These bold red walls create a dramatic backdrop for the bathroom’s deep soaking tub, paired with light gray tiles and dark wood cabinets.
A sleek glass shower with gray subway tiles features a built-in shelf and bench for a modern touch.
Deep red subway tiles and a frameless glass door give this shower an industrial, urban aesthetic.
A bright home gym features floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to a lush garden, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
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