
Topanga, California 90290
Analysis of 178 Muerdago Road, Topanga, California 90290 is currently available with a list price of $1,899,000. The property maintains a Good Condition Rating (78/100), reflecting solid structural condition with well-maintained systems. The property presents an attractive opportunity for buyers seeking a move-in ready home. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Topanga Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for both Buy-and-Hold Investors and Owner-Occupants willing to undertake light renovation work.
Property is move-in ready.
While built in 1988, the property shows evidence of significant updates and high-level maintenance consistent with a 5-15 year renovation cycle. Features like the solar system, spa-inspired bathrooms, and modern interior finishes (hardwood floors, updated lighting) indicate it is move-in ready. The HVAC system visible in photos appears relatively modern and functional, and the overall aesthetic is well-preserved rather than dated.
This expansive compound offers incredible flexibility with a primary residence split into two interconnected homes, a separate guest apartment, and a loft-like residence, making it ideal for multigenerational living or high rental income potential.
Dubbed the 'Big Sur House,' the property features a soulful Craftsman design with vaulted ceilings and expansive decks that capture panoramic canyon views, providing a rare 'above the clouds' living experience.
The estate is equipped with a dedicated wellness space including a gym and sauna, along with a solar power system that provides green energy and reduces long-term utility costs.
Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 4500, other record living area = 3024. Bedroom count discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing bedroom count = 7, other record bedroom count = 4.
Managing a seven-bedroom compound with multiple separate living units and shared facilities like laundry and wellness spaces may require more intensive maintenance and administrative effort than a standard single-family home.
While offering privacy and views, the property's location in the folds of Topanga Canyon typically involves navigating narrow, winding roads, which can be challenging for guest parking and large vehicle access.
Big Sur House: A Canyon Compound Above the Clouds. Hidden within a lush fold of Topanga Canyon, sunlight filters through ancient trees and hawks drift effortlessly across open skies, this remarkable Craftsman compound evokes the spirit of Big Sur, wild, soulful, and deeply connected to nature. Perched above the canyon with sweeping views toward Saddle Peak and Powderhorn Ranch, the property unfolds as a collection of inspiring living spaces designed for gathering, creativity, retreat, and possibility. Wake to birdsong drifting through open French doors and the first golden light spilling across the canyon. Step onto a sun-drenched deck with a cup of coffee in hand as morning mist lingers in the folds of the hills below. Vaulted ceilings soar above the grand living room, where a dramatic stone fireplace anchors the heart of the home. Expansive windows, skylights, and multiple view decks invite the landscape inside, creating a constant dialogue between architecture and the surrounding wilderness. The open kitchen and dining spaces flow effortlessly together, framed by vistas of rolling hills and mature trees that shift beautifully with the changing light. The primary residence is currently configured as two interconnected homes, offering extraordinary flexibility. The upper levels feature a luminous great room, an expansive walk-in pantry, laundry, and beautifully appointed bedroom, while above, the primary retreat feels suspended among the treetops, complete with a spa-inspired bath, private deck, and an additional bedroom with an ensuite with a steam shower. Each bedroom opens directly to outdoor living spaces, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Below, a separate living level offers its own entrance, elegant kitchen, inviting living room with fireplace, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and private deck, creating an ideal guest residence, creative workspace, or income-producing opportunity. A connecting staircase allows the home to function seamlessly as a grand five-bedroom residence when desired. Beyond the main home, a thoughtfully designed wellness space with gym and sauna sits at the center of the compound. Nearby, a charming guest apartment with its own fireplace, deck, one bedroom, and private entrance offers a welcoming retreat for visitors, while above it, a bright loft-like one bedroom residence, with an additional sleeping loft, crowns the property, capturing canyon views from every angle. A shared laundry room is available for the smaller units. A Solar system provides green energy. Life here unfolds at the perfect intersection of wilderness and community. In the morning, set out for miles of hiking, riding, and exploration through nearby Topanga State Park, one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the world. Return for lunch at a beloved local cafe, browse the eclectic shops and galleries of Topanga Village, or enjoy an afternoon yoga class just minutes from your door. As the day unfolds, the legendary beaches of Malibu await only fifteen minutes away, where sunsets paint the Pacific in shades of gold and rose. Equally convenient, the Valley lies just fifteen minutes in the opposite direction, offering effortless access to the broader city while preserving the feeling that you have escaped it entirely. Throughout the grounds, patios, decks, and quiet garden moments provide endless opportunities for contemplation, entertaining, or simply listening to the breeze move through the trees. Yet worlds away from the pace of modern life, this rare seven-bedroom, six-bath compound offers the ultimate canyon lifestyle, equally suited for a multigenerational retreat, an artist's haven, a boutique hospitality vision, or a private residence with substantial rental income potential. A place where mornings begin above the clouds, afternoons drift between canyon trails and ocean horizons, evenings end beneath a canopy of stars, and every day feels like a permanent vacation in the heart of Topanga.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 7.0 | 3.0 | 97% |
| Baths | 6.0 | 3.0 | 94% |
| Square foot | 4,500 | 2,200 | 90% |
| Lot Size | 17,525 | 31,761 | 32% |
| Price | $1.90M | $1.59M | 65% |
| Price per sq ft | $422 | $705 | 3% |
| Built year | 1988 | 1976 | 74% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 5 | 240 | 3% |
Jun 1, 2026
$1,899,000
Initial Listing
Aug 18, 2015
$800,000
Public Record
Sep 6, 1996
$439,000
Public Record