There’s something about the holiday season that’s got us dreaming of crackling fireplaces and steaming, hot beverages. And while the following locales aren’t exactly synonymous with a chilly winter season, they each boast homes with fireplaces so covetable, you’d be hard-pressed to resist cozying up to them—even if it’s in a swimsuit and towel.
13262 GALEWOOD STREET | SHERMAN OAKS
What better way to spend a brisk winter’s day than curled up by the fireplace with a good book? In this case, the only thing harder than deciding what to read is which fireplace to warm up next to. Represented by Andrea Korchek, Craig Knizek and Natasha Barrett, this iconic property in Sherman Oaks’ Longridge Estates boasts grand-scale living spaces, including exquisitely designed dual great rooms with marble-clad fireplaces fit for indulging in the great classics. A bonus? Built-in bookshelves are the perfect place for displaying an ever-growing library.
29917 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY | MALIBU
The only thing better than relaxing by a fireplace is doing it against sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Zuma Beach. Represented by Angel Kou and Blair Chang, not only is the fireplace at this Douglas W. Burdge-designed, newly constructed modern Tuscan villa a piece of art unto itself (the mantle is constructed from fossil shell stone), but the views elevate the experience to out-of this-world. Seeing as L.A. isn’t exactly known for its cold winter weather, the home’s effortless indoor-outdoor flow makes it easy to go from taking a dip in the infinity pool—or the ocean—to warming up in front of the fire in a pinch.
17520 REVELLO DRIVE | PACIFIC PALISADES
Simply put, there is no home in L.A. like Castillo del Mar, an unspoiled historical masterpiece off the coast of the Pacific Palisades represented by Dan Urbach. Designed and built in 1927 by renowned architect Nathaniel Coleman, the estate, once owned by Hollywood director Rowland West and frequented by his mistress Thelma Todd, boasts sweeping, 180-degree ocean and coastline views with exquisite period details that distinguish it among the most character-rich homes in Los Angeles. Among its distinct features are leaded and stained glass windows, handcrafted millwork, original art deco tiles, and bow and truss ceilings. At the heart of a phenomenal great room is the home’s original fireplace, perfect for reading an L.A. noire classic in keeping with the property’s rich history.
2805 TENNYSON PLACE | HERMOSA BEACH
Perched at the peak of the prestigious Hill section of Hermosa Beach, just blocks from the ocean, this expansive estate strikes the perfect balance between architectural prowess, contemporary design and timeless sophistication. Listed by Courtney Lingle and Mauricio Umansky, the home takes full advantage of its prime, beachside location. Masterfully designed for year-round outdoor entertaining, one of its many swoon-worthy features is a striking outdoor glass pavilion with a fireplace and dining area situated above a glass floor showcasing a stunning 1,000-bottle wine cellar below. Grab your favorite red and a few friends to enjoy the perfect winter’s night in.
1450 BLUE JAY WAY | LOS ANGELES
Among the many perks of life in L.A. is enjoying the outdoors year round, and this home on L.A.’s fabled Bird Streets, listed by Michael Druker and Jeff Kohl, takes outdoor living to a whole new level. In addition to its exceptional pool deck, which overlooks extraordinary city vistas, a serene courtyard oasis spans the length of the home, studded by exotic cactus and a hundred-year-old imported olive tree, and features a lounge area ideal for late night conversation. The seating area is highlighted by its stunning granite boulder fire pit built from a two-ton stone that was personally selected by the developers then expertly transformed by a local artisan rock sculptor.
PARADISO PERDUTO | SAN JOSE DEL CABO
Situated atop a hill in the Fundadores neighborhood of Puerto Los Cabos, this nine-bedroom luxury estate, listed by Mauricio Rivero, Bernardo Mucino Koenig and Janet Jensen, is the ultimate winter’s escape. Showcasing pristine views of the Sea of Cortez, the home is immaculately designed for indoor-outdoor entertaining, with exquisite vistas at virtually every turn. Unwind by the imported black flagstone fireplace in the home’s phenomenal two-story great room, or fix yourself your favorite beverage at any one of its numerous bar stations, then cozy up by the outdoor firepit and watch the sun slip into the sea.
