Poolside Botanica

Poolside Botanica: California

This Northridge villa is pure luxury in the LA suburbs. A leafy green garden feels like a tranquil oasis with bags of privacy. The Roman-style swimming pool offers a place to cool off in the California sun, along with the shaded seating under the pergola – practically a full outdoor living room. Alfresco dining comes courtesy of the summer kitchen outdoors and a basketball hoop can keep teens and kids happy while the steaks sizzle on the grill. This place isn’t just about outdoor living. Inside you’ll find a dedicated cinema room with VIP theatre-quality seats and a wet bar tucked in an alcove next to the projector. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, with a quartz island in its centre and sunny window-seat dining for a casual breakfast. It’s not often we sing the praises of a bathroom, but the master with its slipper tub looking out through a wall of windows to lush greenery is certainly something to write home about.

Home truths:
*Pool heating is available for an additional, daily fee
*Parking is available at the home
*There are noise restrictions in the neighbourhood and quiet hours are in effect after 10pm
*This home is in an LA suburb, so far from the city action, but a student population in the area means a healthy crop of bars and coffee shops