Parallel Lives

Parallel Lives: California

You will be hard-pressed to find a single curve in this stunning Melrose villa. The architects have opted for clean, straight lines at every possible opportunity, from the surfaces on the sleek kitchen island and the right-angle sofa in the living space, to the pleasingly geometric swimming pool in the garden. Combined with the stark white walls, the overall effect is one of ultra-modernity. As befitting an address that looks so futuristic, the tech set-up is pretty impressive too, with an inbuilt surround sound system, energy-efficient lighting and high-end kitchen appliances by Miele. However, this is still LA, so you will naturally want to spend a lot of time outside. As well as the aforementioned pool, there are plenty of loungers, a barbecue and a dining area that blurs the boundary between in and outdoors. When you fancy a day out, the location offers plenty of distractions — both Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art can be reached in around fifteen minutes behind the wheel.

Home truths:
*There are free parking spaces available on the driveway and on the street outside
*No visitors or overnight guests are allowed
*To heat the pool or spa, guests must give the host twenty-four hours' notice — it will cost $400 on the first day and $200 a day after that