1520 Bonnell Drive, Topanga, California 90290, Topanga, 90290 - 6 bed, 5 bath

1520 Bonnell Drive, Topanga, California 90290 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$3,999,000
1520 Bonnell Drive, Topanga, California 90290
6Beds
5Baths
4,200Sqft
68,349Lot
Year Built
1956
Close
-
List price
$4M
Original List price
$4M
Price/Sqft
$952
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
25563875
Home ConditionFair
Features
Good View: Bluff, Canyon, Hills, Mountain(s), Orchard, Pool, Creek/Stream, Trees/Woods
Pool
Spa
Patio
ViewBluff, Canyon, Hills, Mountain(s), Orchard, Pool, Creek/Stream, Trees/Woods

About this home

We found 3 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $4.00M(90th), sqft - 4200(90th), beds - 6(93th), baths - 5(87th).

Own a Topanga Landmark, with 3 Homes on 2 Lots! At the far end of the Historic Bonnell Park, a storied New England style compound is set in lush, verdant, meadows, framed by towering oaks, cottonwood, maple, and ash trees. With the park serving as a de facto front yard, the white house with inky black shutters sits behind a long, flower-framed, white picket fencebeckoning as if from a bygone era. The cluster of 3 homes, encompassing the entire end of the Bonnell Cul de sac, harkens to farm country, with the main house sitting on over 1 1/3 acre of flat lawns and gardens. The two smaller cottages, each in a private, fenced yard, sit on a separate, adjoining 1/4 acre lot. Strawberry peak and Little Rock, two local icons, serve as a backdrop to this home. The history of Topanga is told here. The homes were once part of the original John Bonnell estate which includes "The Old Stone House"considered the oldest house in Topanga, built by Jack Wood, a pioneer stage and Post Office mail driver. They have been owned by just 2 families over the past 70 years, and were reimagined by Topanga's renowned architect, Cary Gepner, into the graceful sanctuary they are today. The brief was to seamlessly meld the indoors and out, so every room took in the beauty of the incredible grounds. He delivered. Rooms flooded with abundant natural light, encompass the perfect flow for celebrations, or quiet enjoyment. Visitors to the park often exclaim it is the "most beautiful home in Topanga!" Now is your chance to own this lyrical property, with its saltwater pool and spa, fruit trees, and gardens, all set along the banks of Old Topanga Creek. Over the years, this home has been cast as an East Coast home in movies and tv shows, because it calls nostalgically to us of simpler times. But the interiors are updated with serenely minimal rooms perfect for modern country living. Bare feet pad across polished old oak floors. The front foyer opens to a gracious, soaring, two story living room, with a classic fireplace. A wall of French doors looks out from the living room and spacious dining room to where deer meander, and hawksfloat on updrafts. The inviting open kitchen, with its vast island, hosts a crowd. Doors flung open to the huge patio, pool and spa, allow for that quintessential California indooroutdoor life! The spacious primary suite opens to the pool through French doors. Its bright bath, with a steam shower, vintage fixtures and a clawfoot tub opens to a poolside shower. Two other bedrooms with sun-splashed windows sit on the main level. A captivating suite of rooms under the eaves include an antechamber under automatic, venting skylights, that is perfect for reading or drawing. A small nook nearby entices as a hideaway play room. The bedroom up here is a fantasy space ripped from a classic tale, with windows overlooking the estate. The endearing one bedroom cottages share the same bright, pristine spirit as the main house, each with a fireplace. This home has an old soul, but a youthful spirit. Classical landscaping, with abundant flowers, bowers of roses, and trees laden with fruit surround the homes. Birdsong brightens your mornings, and frogs, crickets, and the soft hoot of owls serenade you at night. A chicken coop awaits hens. Protected Bonnell Park, Topanga's Halloween destination, is owned by a neighborhood association, and development of the park is forbidden. Red Rock State Park, Summit to Summit, and Backbone hiking trails are nearby. Topanga's cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks are close by. Malibu's fabled beaches are near enough to feel the coastal breezes. Hop to the 101 or the westside. You can have your rural dreams, and your big city life, too. The magic of this home abides, with shooting stars, darting bats, and the burble of the creek. And now you can weave your life into the sweet tale of this storybook home.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
07/10/25
Listing
$3,999,000
Condition Rating
Fair

While the property has been extensively 'reimagined' by an architect and is well-maintained with polished oak floors, the kitchen and primary bathroom show signs of being stylistically outdated. The kitchen features tile countertops and white appliances, which are typically found in renovations from 15-30 years ago, rather than recent updates. The primary bath, while charming with its clawfoot tub and 'vintage fixtures,' also reflects an older aesthetic. These elements, though functional, would likely require minor updates to meet current buyer expectations for a property of this caliber, aligning with the 'Fair' criteria of requiring minor updates and having major components that are functional but show signs of being outdated.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Historical Significance & Unique Compound: A rare Topanga landmark featuring three distinct homes on two lots, steeped in local history and reimagined by a renowned architect, offering a truly unique and storied property.
Expansive & Private Natural Setting: Over 1.5 acres of lush, flat lawns, mature trees, extensive gardens, a saltwater pool and spa, and frontage along Old Topanga Creek, creating a serene and private oasis.
Versatile Living Arrangements: The property includes a main house and two separate cottages, providing exceptional flexibility for multi-generational living, guest accommodations, or potential rental income.
Thoughtful Design & Modern Updates: Architecturally reimagined interiors blend modern country living with historical charm, featuring abundant natural light, an open kitchen with a vast island, and updated amenities like a steam shower and clawfoot tub.
Exceptional Location & Lifestyle: Situated at the protected end of Historic Bonnell Park, with proximity to hiking trails, Topanga's cultural landmarks, Malibu beaches, and convenient access to major freeways for a blend of rural tranquility and urban connectivity.

Cons

Age-Related Maintenance Considerations: Built in 1956, while updated, older properties can present ongoing maintenance needs for original systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, roof) that may not be fully detailed as replaced or upgraded.
Extensive Property Maintenance: The large, lush grounds, including gardens, fruit trees, a saltwater pool, and creek frontage, require significant ongoing maintenance, which could be a considerable time and financial commitment.
Rural Location & Commute: While offering a desirable serene lifestyle, the property's rural setting in Topanga may entail a longer commute for those working in more urban centers, and potentially less immediate access to certain services.

Best solution for experienced home buyers!

Data-driven home buying experience with our licensed real estate agents and cutting-edge AI

Browse Properties by State Browse housing market trends by state