A Stylish Brentwood Home Personalized by a Celebrity Designer
After more than 15 years of ownership, celebrated interior designer Windsor Smith has sold her Los Angeles abode in Mandeville Canyon, Brentwood. Originally purchased in 2007 for $5.2 million, the residence underwent extensive renovations and customizations that reflected Smith’s signature black-and-white aesthetic, as well as her flair for timeless California sophistication. The property is now listed for $19.5 million by Cindy Ambuehl of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California.
Smith, who referred to the home at the time as “certifiably the least attractive in the neighborhood,” was drawn to the lush grounds, mature sycamore trees, and the north-south tennis court that offered ample room for entertaining and recreation. Over the years, she transformed the spec-built property into a striking showcase of her style, blending elegance, functionality, and whimsical design elements that have become her hallmark.
Architectural Highlights and Interior Design
The two-story, L-shaped estate sits on a half-acre parcel within a gated cul-de-sac, offering both privacy and convenience. The exterior is painted in an extra-saturated navy blue so deep it almost appears black, giving the home a modern yet sophisticated presence on the street. Inside, the residence encompasses approximately 6,900 square feet with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, most of which retain Smith’s signature black-and-white interiors, recently refreshed by Arrow Development Group and Vesta to maintain contemporary appeal.
A pair of double front doors opens into a soaring sky-lit foyer, featuring a checkerboard-pattern stone floor and a sculptural staircase. The fireside living room flows seamlessly to outdoor terraces through French doors, providing natural light and indoor-outdoor living that is quintessentially Californian. Adjacent is a formal dining room beneath a coffered ceiling, connecting to a spacious eat-in kitchen equipped with top-tier appliances.
The home also includes a cozy family room, a private study, and a recreation room with a wet bar. The primary suite is a retreat in itself, complete with a fireplace, built-in window seats, and dual walk-in closets with ensuite baths. Every room has been thoughtfully curated, balancing elegance and comfort, and reflecting Smith’s attention to detail.
Outdoor Amenities and Entertaining Spaces
Outdoors, the estate features a professional-grade tennis court painted in a bold gray-on-black scheme by Smith during her tenure. Surrounding the pool is a manicured lawn that provides a serene setting for both relaxation and gatherings. Multiple alfresco spaces cater to entertaining, including an open-air pavilion outfitted with a theater, bar, and grill. A gated motor court flanks a three-car garage, which currently houses a gym in one of its bays, offering additional flexibility for the new owners.
The property’s layout demonstrates Smith’s skill in blending recreational and formal areas, ensuring that every corner is both functional and visually striking. According to Cindy Ambuehl, listing agent, “This estate is a rare opportunity to own a home shaped by one of the industry’s top designers, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered from the interiors to the landscape.”
Neighborhood & Lifestyle: Brentwood’s Serene Luxury
Mandeville Canyon offers a unique combination of privacy and access to Los Angeles’ best amenities. Residents enjoy close proximity to upscale shopping along San Vicente Boulevard, fine dining, and recreational facilities, while still being tucked away from the city’s hustle. The community is known for its tree-lined streets, scenic canyon vistas, and a family-friendly environment that includes top-rated schools and wellness centers.
Smith’s estate perfectly embodies the Los Angeles lifestyle, blending indoor elegance with outdoor leisure. The proximity to highways allows for convenient commuting, yet the gated cul-de-sac ensures tranquility and security. Outdoor terraces, poolside lounges, and the tennis court provide a space for both quiet retreat and social gatherings, reflecting a balanced, luxurious California way of living.
A Legacy of Design and Ownership
Smith and her husband initially purchased the home for its potential, transforming it over more than 15 years into a personalized showcase of her creative vision. The home was sold off-market in spring 2023 for slightly over $16 million to Rob Isackson, president of San Francisco-based Village Investment Partners.
The current listing at $19.5 million highlights the investment value of a property meticulously designed and maintained by a top-tier designer. “Few homes offer this combination of privacy, design pedigree, and location,” Ambuehl noted. The estate demonstrates how Los Angeles Real Estate in prestigious neighborhoods like Brentwood continues to attract buyers seeking both lifestyle and long-term value.
Expert Perspective and Market Insight
According to a local real estate consultant, “The thoughtful interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces, paired with a designer’s personal touch, makes this property stand out even in a competitive Los Angeles market.” The home is both a statement of sophisticated design and a practical space for daily living, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and entertainment.
CaliforniaLuxuryHouses attempted to contact the designer for additional commentary but did not receive a response. Nevertheless, this residence remains a prime example of how a well-executed design vision can enhance both the emotional and financial appeal of a luxury property in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
This Brentwood estate exemplifies the essence of California luxury living: distinguished design, thoughtful interiors, and exceptional outdoor amenities, all set within a private, highly desirable neighborhood. From its dramatic black-and-white interiors to its professional-grade tennis court and alfresco entertaining areas, the home offers a lifestyle that blends sophistication, leisure, and investment value.
For buyers seeking a home with designer pedigree, architectural elegance, and prime Los Angeles Real Estate positioning, this estate represents a rare opportunity to own a property where style and lifestyle converge seamlessly.