You want to see this Mt. Washington hideaway. Open, simple elegance and breathtaking views. My friend, Scott, gave me a tour of his just finished 'Modern Mountain Retreat'.  The views tonight, from the indoor/outdoor kitchen, were of downtown as Oz, across the river and over the hilltop.  L.A. was small, quiet and friendly in the distance. Unreal, like a backdrop painted into the arc's end in the observatory dome.  At the edge of the property, looking out over the valley below are three new, well lit playing fields.  In each field it looked like children were playing. We heard a few echos of 'goooooal', and for awhile we thought the red suits would win. 

Upstairs is private. It feels like a treehouse, apart from the action.  Each bedroom opens to the city side, through the treetops.  Clearer days give way to views of Century City, the ocean, and the Getty Museum.  Amtrak made its way South while I admired the bedroom's deck.  No toy trains needed here. Its distance is a part of its charm.

Sitting at the outdoor, family style table, Scott told us about his other favorite visitors. Deer was the biggest surprise. Coyotes, ravens, and crows, red tail hawks, raccoons, possom, and squirrels find their way to his table.  He leaves them all grapes and they've come to expect it. Bluejays argue with the mockingbirds about who's first. Hummingbirds glance at the red flowers in the kitchen and disappear deciding against the risk.

Downtown is only 20 minutes away and there are dozens of routes to take.  I wasn't sure how to get home, so I drove South on San Fernando, crossed the L.A. river on Pasadena Drive and was poured out into Chinatown. Wahlah! I turned right on Spring Street and arrived home in less than 10 minutes.

Just listed: $1,400,000.