A Silver Lake Italianate Home with a Montecito Soul
Crafting Elegance: A Silver Lake Oasis Reimagined
A Grand Estate in Silver Lake: Where Italianate Charm Meets Los Angeles Views
From its commanding position overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, the Italianate home of Jed Lind and Jessica de Ruiter possesses an air of a luxurious Montecito villa. Such a grand property, characterized by its classical structure and towering juniper trees, is a rare find in the bohemian neighborhood of Silver Lake, where the couple has been deeply ingrained in the creative scene for two decades.
Childhood Dreams and Untapped Potential: Discovering Villa del Lago
The couple's journey to acquiring this unique estate began with evening strolls, often passing the house and envisioning its hidden potential. Originally conceived by architect C. Raimond Johnson in 1937, the property, which they affectionately called Villa del Lago, had fallen into disrepair. Its grand scale and distinctive style, more akin to a European Riviera estate than a typical Silver Lake dwelling, immediately captivated them. Recognizing the extraordinary nature of the find, they eagerly awaited the day it would come onto the market.
Tackling the Transformation: A Visionary Renovation Journey
To some, the house presented a formidable challenge, with its complex T-shaped layout, over 20 awkwardly configured rooms, and a remarkably steep driveway. However, for de Ruiter and Lind, the project was an intuitive undertaking. Lind, with the dedication of a true perfectionist, embraced the architectural intricacies, embarking on a three-year renovation after experiencing the home's original state. Their collaborative approach allowed them to refine their vision throughout the process, ensuring every detail contributed to the home's revived elegance.
Harmonizing Old and New: Architectural Homage and Materiality
Drawing inspiration from Southern Californian architectural pioneers like George Washington Smith and Irving Gill, Lind meticulously updated the home's layout. The upper level now hosts three bedrooms and a family room, while the ground floor features a formal living area, an intimate dining space, and an expansive kitchen, with architectural designer Chris Cahill contributing to the redesign. The selection of materials emphasizes simplicity and timelessness, incorporating reclaimed terra-cotta brick, plaster walls, and richly veined stone. Lind's philosophy centers on extracting the inherent "aura" from these natural elements.
Curated Interiors: A Blend of Vintage Finds and Bespoke Creations
The couple's interior design approach reflects a thoughtful blend of resourcefulness and refined taste. Their furnishings combine custom pieces with carefully selected auction finds, many of which are Danish and Swedish antiques from the esteemed Lief gallery. A highlight includes an 18th-century French marble tub, which required a crane to be installed through the windows of the primary bath. In the double-height foyer, Lind collaborated with artist David Grieco to create a stunning three-tiered chandelier reminiscent of Alberto Giacometti's style. De Ruiter's keen eye for organic forms and natural textures is evident throughout the home, from the Belgian slip-covered sectional to the lively playroom designed for their young son.
An Eden Reborn: The European-Inspired Landscape
The once-challenging steep driveway now gracefully winds around the house, leading to a gravel path—a sound Lind finds particularly "welcoming"—and an arched porte cochere that opens into the garden. With the expertise of landscape designer Sandra A. Serrano, the neglected grounds have been transformed into a Southern Californian interpretation of an elegant European garden. What was once sparse is now abundant with mature live oaks, cypresses, junipers, and pineapple guavas, complemented by swathes of lavender, sage, and native California plants thriving on the hillside. The garden's surprisingly rapid maturation, aided by an unusually wet season, has allowed it to seamlessly integrate with the house. Today, the property, once a curiosity for evening walkers, is now a cherished landmark, with passersby leaving appreciative notes about the garden's beauty, a touching full-circle moment for Lind and de Ruiter.