A house in a canyon nestled amongst the trees

COUNTRY HOUSE

Designed by architect William Hefner, this home showcases American paintings and 1950s European designer furniture American architect William Hefner specialises in private residences in California built for a sophisticated client with a passion for design. This is the case of former Executive Director of American TV Sheila Bouttier, who commissioned him to build a modern cottage for her and her family on a 2,000-square metre plot on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The goal was to showcase the priceless art collection created by her grandfather, American artist Benjamin Abramowitz.

The creative process fascinated her so much that following several trips to the main designer hubs of Europe, she felt compelled to open a gallery in Los Angeles, the Galerie Provenance, specialising in European vintage furniture and furnishings. Despite its generous proportions, the house boasts familiar and welcoming spaces furnished with 1950s pieces that blend harmoniously with the works of art and antiques on display. This is no more apparent than in the living room, where a curvy bespoke sofa and armchair, inspired by the silhouettes designed by Jean Royere, sit opposite the 1950s Pierre Jeanneret Easy chairs. From a design perspective, the main hurdle for Hefner’s team to overcome was to mark the boundaries of a plot situated in a canyon with an irregular perimeter. They settled on the ingenious idea of building the house in the middle of the plot surrounded by three outdoor areas, each designed for a specific intended use, fully benefitting the inside spaces, which boast extraordinary views.