No one would expect to find such a secluded,private,and serene 58 acre estate,surrounded by protected parkland,so conveniently close to Calabasas,Malibu and Santa Monica.The adventure begins on a mile-long gated road from the summit of Old Topanga Canyon Road along a chaparral-lined ridge with views stretching from Ventura County all the way to the San Bernardino Mountains on one side and the Topanga watershed on the other.When you arrive to a second set of gates,mature aloes,lavender and wildflowers welcome you to this mountaintop retreat.Moonglow Ranch could not be more exclusive,yet it is just 10 minutes away from the very best schools,shopping,and the 101 freeway.Solar powered and constructed mostly of reinforced concrete and fire resistant materials, the structures nestle into the hillside and blend into the surrounding landscape,discretely disguising their generous floor plans.Two view decks,large enough to host a couple hundred people for any festive gathering enjoy magnificent sunrise and sunsets.Sandstone slabs quarried right from the site are abundantly used around the beautifully situated swimming pool,on the exterior walls of the home,and on various patios and walkways.They contain many fossils to discover and blend harmoniously with the landscape.
Water saving lavenders and olive trees complete the Mediterranean feel.Inside the main house is an open living,dining,and kitchen area,all with plenty of windows to soak up the vistas.On this level,a unique,wood-burning stove imported from Belgium will heat the entire floor.When ambiance is not required,high efficiency mini-split heat pumps/AC and R50+ roof insulation keep the house comfortable winter or summer.The floors are Saltillo tiles,and the ceilings are open-beamed.On this level is a sun-filled bedroom,full bath with relaxing tub,and a walk-in closet.The lower level holds a large,central sitting room,two spacious bedrooms,and a full bath,all with views of the mountains and valley,of course! A few steps further down is a massive sun-drenched workshop,a car collector’s or artist’s dream with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass bay doors overlooking the Canyon and the San Fernando Valley beyond.A few steps from the main house is a 3-car garage and guest house, with a suite consisting of a large living/sleeping area,a full bath and a separate office,all with amazing views.A spiral staircase leads down to an underground mezzanine consisting of a large high ceiling room and a full bath.
The acoustics in these buildings would be ideal for a recording studio,a media room or play room.A few more steps down lead to another flexible garage space,with hangar door leading to the driveway.Equestrians will appreciate the sizable corral,two-stall barn,feed room,tack room and covered feeding area.Within the property are miles of private trails for horseback riding,mountain biking, hiking or strolling and daydreaming.Hundreds of miles more are accessible beyond the property fence within the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area.Water saving lavenders and olive trees are cultivated to provide sweet smells and cool shade.The 360 degree views from this very special property encompass the Santa Monica Mountains,the Santa Monica Bay,Palos Verdes,the Santa Susana and Simi hills,the Los Padres Ojai Mountains,the San Fernando Valley,San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains with its far-away landmark Mt Baldy’s snowy peak.At night,the twinkling lights of the San Fernando Valley and of the South Bay intermingle with the night stars to create a magical scene.And,when the marine layer rolls into Topanga Canyon from the Pacific Ocean,Moonglow Ranch rises above a sea of white clouds,bathed in the reflected light of the moon.