A new, open great room

Architect John Bertram removed the fireplace and replaced it with a wall unit and desk. He also added post-and-beam-style skylights to bring in more light and play off the home’s original architecture. Three new skylights, located throughout the house, add to the home’s current sunny, airy feel, enjoyed here by Levy’s 10-year-old son, Harry. “Now you can look up and see the sky,” says Bertram.

Photographs by Ricardo DeAratanha Los Angeles Times except where indicated