- Architecture & development
In the hills of Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills, the spotlight once again strikes a residence that translates Californian modernism into striking architecture. Erenhault House, designed by Harry Gesner and brought on the market for the first time in twenty years, sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and overlooks the canyon, city and coastline all the way to Catalina Island. The house is presented as a sculptural composition in which the surroundings are just as integral to the living experience as the building itself.
Harry Gesner belongs to that generation of Californian architects who redefined the idea of living through the landscape itself. His designs often begin with the specific topography of a site, with architecture literally adapting to the rocks. In Erenhault House, that approach is clearly evident. The house was designed in the late 1960s and completed in the early 1970s, with a focus on expressive lines, transparency and a continuous dialogue between inside and outside. That vision remains legible today in the way the residence nestles into the hillside. 
The villa unfolds across a plot of more than 2,500 square metres and offers approximately 600 square metres of living space. From the entrance, the relationship with the landscape is immediately apparent: volumes appear to rise from the hillside, while expanses of glass draw the view inward in layers. The central living areas are organised around a sunken lounge, surrounded by generous windows that maximise the panoramic outlook. A central staircase, positioned beneath a skylight, acts as a vertical axis that brings daylight deep into the home.
Harry Gesner belongs to that generation of Californian architects who redefined the idea of living through the landscape itself
Within the house, each room is given its own perspective on the surroundings. The six bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms and are oriented towards the view, with the primary suite distinguished by floor-to-ceiling glazing that enhances the sensation of floating above the landscape. In the kitchen, a contemporary layer has recently been introduced through a redesign that aligns with modern use without overriding the architectural foundation. The living spaces remain focused on flexibility, suitable both for large-scale entertaining and more intimate moments. 
The outdoor areas follow the same architectural logic. Terraces are embedded at different levels into the landscape and lead towards a sunken swimming pool that visually extends the horizon line. The transition between inside and outside dissolves, with light, views and materiality continuously shifting throughout the day. Erenhault House is currently offered through Douglas Elliman and is considered a rare example of preserved mid-century Californian architecture in Trousdale Estates. Located within an enclave where remarkable architecture is the norm, it nevertheless stands out for its direct relationship with the landscape and its original design intent, which has remained largely intact. 
Photography by Nils Timm
Listed With Trey Alligood, The Alligood Group, Douglas Elliman
Staging by Francesca Grace Home
Listing: www.elliman.com
Text by Carolien Depamelaere