The Tomoko Villa

A gated drive that transports you out of the city and into your own world leads to The Tomoko Villa, which soars above the Sunset Strip like a serene temple to light and view.

The drama intensifies as you enter: a glass-enclosed, ultra-chic living room with a sculptural metal staircase leading down to a skyline that stretches from the downtown skyscrapers to the Pacific’s glisten. The house feels both cinematic and incredibly serene thanks to its modern architecture with a sophisticated Asian sensibility, which includes clean lines, natural textures, and a rhythm of indoor-outdoor moments. The living room can be transformed into a terrace by sliding the walls away. Beyond that, a sleek infinity pool with a sunken fire pit that transforms sunsets into nightly rituals floats at the edge of the view.

The gourmet chef’s kitchen, located in the center of the house, is made for easy entertaining. While stainless-steel appliances take care of the work—professional-grade cooktop and ovens for precise heat, an integrated refrigerator for clean sightlines, and a built-in wine cooler to keep the evening at the ideal temperature—an open layout facilitates conversation.

The dining area overlooks the city lights and water, making even a Tuesday dinner feel festive, and the island serves as a natural meeting spot for both breakfast and nightcaps. With a pantry that can accommodate platters and small appliances, sturdy countertops that encourage actual cooking, and lighting that can be turned from task-bright to cocktail-soft with a single touch, storage and prep have been thoughtfully designed.

The Tomoko Villa reveals its true self in its main suite. Here, a suspended orb fireplace hovers between the sitting and sleeping areas, adding glow without adding visual weight, and Japanese tatami grounds the area with warmth and ritual. Mornings arrive with gauzy light and evenings end with a carpet of stars because floor-to-ceiling glass draws your gaze across the pool to the city beyond.

With heated floors underfoot, a steam shower for rest and rejuvenation, a walk-in rain shower with easy-to-use controls, and a soaking tub big enough for a lengthy, rejuvenating soak, the ensuite bathroom reads like a private spa. With built-in closets and a separate dressing area, getting ready feels discrete and leisurely, and everything is in its proper place.

The gardens outside lean toward tranquility. A dining pavilion seems to float above a serene koi pond, a large Buddha sculpture anchors the landscape, and lush greenery softens the architecture. Slow lunches, outdoor tea ceremonies, and late dinners that last long after the last course are all perfectly suited to this setting.

The fire pit keeps the conversation going while the city lights flicker below, and the pool terrace provides full-day sun and protection from canyon breezes. Smart lighting and climate controls, Wi-Fi throughout the house for work and streaming, discrete security with cameras and gate access, and private parking behind the drive to make arrivals as quiet as departures are just a few examples of the seamless integration of practical comforts.

The Tomoko Villa stands out for striking a balance between romance and practicality. Unquestionably photogenic, the house is comfortable in daily life thanks to its open floor plan that makes entertaining easy, the privacy of the bedrooms that allows guests to unwind, the acoustics that keep the city at a respectful distance, and the long-lasting finishes that welcome barefoot mornings right out to the water’s edge. The line between home and the horizon vanishes when the glass is open, and the villa turns into a peaceful haven that is entirely yours when it is closed. It smells of stone and cedar.

Nearby activities include hiking Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park’s West Ridge for expansive views of the city and ocean; scheduling a meal and live music along the Sunset Strip, followed by a speakeasy nightcap; and spending an afternoon at the Getty Center exploring the sculpture gardens and art collections.

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