Luke Taylor, the Hollywood executive producer behind Netflix’s Woman of the Hour and co-founder of BondIt Media Capital, and his wife Erica, a producer at Saatchi & Saatchi, found their creative escape away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles with a cedar treehouse in the historic mountain community of Idyllwild, California. After five years of reimagining and renovation, this cozy and creative timbered getaway, nestled in the heart of one of California’s greatest natural landscapes, is ready for its new stewards.
Designed by local Idyllwild architect Dennis McGuire, the property’s design takes inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture as well as Scandinavian and Japanese interiors. With its cedar shingle exterior and outdoor deck designed around two large pine trees, the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home thoughtfully blends in with its surroundings and appears to have grown directly from the hilltop it sits on.
The Taylors bought the home during the pandemic after falling in love with the slow-paced and art-forward community of Idyllwild. They began their renovations with the goal of maintaining McGuire’s vision and emphasizing the use of natural materials. The refurbished kitchen includes brand new sleek, wooden cabinets and a backsplash of natural green tiles. Next to it is a small dining area in front of a bay window that overlooks a sea of tall, green trees and Idyllwild’s iconic Lily Rock.
The new study continues the forested theming, with cedar shelving and storage space, and even more windows that also allow in plenty of natural light and scenic views. The ceilings throughout the home are vaulted and framed by exposed redwood support beams, mimicking the tree branches the property is surrounded by. Other additions include a renovated bathroom with stone finishings and a soaking tub, showcasing the Taylors’ joint love for nature and natural materials, and easy living.
The cedar treehouse is sleek, welcoming, and a hub for creative expression and freedom. While large cities like Los Angeles have been cultural centers for decades, properties like this treehouse are a testament to the powers of nature, design, and wellbeing in artistic innovation.
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