A Topanga Gem – Historic, Reimagined, and Set on Nearly Half an Acre
Discover a rare opportunity to own a piece of Topanga Canyon’s creative history! This unique, one-bedroom creekside cottage, fully rebuilt and permitted as of 2016, rests on three combined lots totaling 0.49 acres of natural Topanga terrain. Nestled in a peaceful, artistic community, this property captures the essence of Topanga’s charm and offers a perfect blend of vintage character and modern upgrades.
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
1 Story
Lot Size – 21,256 Sq Ft
3 Lots + APN Numbers
Bldg – 840 Sq Ft
MLS®ID – 24-464715
Type – Residential
Year Built – 1952
Lovingly restored by renowned local architect Cary Gepner, this cottage brings together impeccable craftsmanship and respectful preservation of history. Built on an updated solid foundation with 8″ x 8″ beams, the home features abundant natural light and is exceptionally well insulated for comfort year-round. Gepner, known in Topanga for his dedication to harmonizing architecture with nature, breathed new life into this once-decaying property. Together with the current owner, who was determined to preserve and improve this artistic haven that many deemed impossible to save, they transformed this humble, 840-square-foot home into a cozy, inviting space that still holds the spirit of its past.
Adding to its allure, a 4-cable suspension bridge on the property awaits restoration, offering a unique project for the discerning buyer.
The cottages legacy began with Hollywood special effects artist Paul Blaisdell and his wife, Jackie, who lived here from 1953 to 2006. Blaisdell made waves in the 1950s with his imaginative monster costumes for iconic B-movies like “The Beast with a Million Eyes” and “It Conquered the World.” His creations, made on minimal budgets but with boundless creativity, became staples of sci-fi and horror cinema. The cottage served as his creative retreat, where he dreamed up monsters that would go down in film history. After Paul’s passing in 1983, Jackie continued to keep his legacy alive, sharing stories of their life here with fans of his work.
With nearly half an acre of private land, there’s plenty of space to garden, relax, or simply enjoy the surrounding nature. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the artistic vibe, or the natural beauty, this property promises a lifestyle that celebrates creativity, resilience, and Topanga’s unique charm.
This fully furnished property is available for short-term rental at $4,950 per month, with a rental term of 4-6 months. Located in an artistic community and surrounded by natural greenery, it offers a peaceful setting ideal for relaxation and inspiration.