Inside Oren Levy’s $9.5 Million Encino Showpiece

A European-Inspired Arrival

The home makes a strong first impression with manicured landscaping, copper-trimmed gates and a façade of brick and stucco, softened by traditional details. Copper gutters, downspouts and sconces that add warmth, while a wraparound balcony connects the three upper-floor bedrooms. Levy describes the design as drawing on “a lot of European influences” with old-world elements giving the new property the character of a home that has been there for years. A full-brick lower level with over grouted joints emphasizes that impression, giving the exterior the character of a home that “doesn’t feel too new.”

A Double-Height Entrance

Inside is a double-height entry, with oak wall panelling, applied moulding and four sculptural Allied Maker lights framing the space. Underfoot, checkerboard limestone and marble flooring leads toward the home’s defining feature, a sweeping spiral staircase that extends from the upper floors to the basement. For Levy, the staircase is “the focal point of the home” and its sculptural quality gives the entrance the presence of an art installation. The open-plan layout is structured through architectural returns, sections and headers, creating separation without losing the connection between rooms.

A Formal Living Room with Architectural Presence

The formal living room pairs its generous proportions with softer, more traditional details. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring natural light into the space.

A Dining Room Designed Around Art

The dining room continues the limestone and marble checkerboard flooring from the entrance, framed by an oak border that gives the room definition. At its center is an imposing chandelier by Jean-Michel Frank, a piece Levy describes as his favorite chandelier in the house. “Once I saw it, I knew I had to have it” he explains, revealing how individual pieces helped shape the overall design. The cabinetry, glass and mirrored detailing were then positioned around the lighting, demonstrating the relationship between architecture, furniture and decorative elements.

A Family Room Built for Everyday Living

The family room introduces a more relaxed atmosphere, centered around a pre-cast fireplace and tall windows that connect the interior to the garden. A brass-clad built-in adds another layer of material richness, with curved bullnose shelves and countertops echoing details found throughout the house. Plaster walls and carefully positioned lighting keep the room simple, while the open shelving provides space for books and art. Levy describes the effect as helping the house feel “effortless and calming” qualities that are carried through much of the interior.

The Kitchen as the Home’s Social Hub

For Levy, the kitchen is “my favourite room in the house” and it brings together many of the materials and details that define the property. White oak cabinetry, painted lower units, brass hardware, marble surfaces and a book matched brass-clad feature create a sophisticated but functional setting. Piano hinges, inset shaker detailing and patinated brass add subtle character, while a dedicated service kitchen sits directly beside the barbecue, allowing catering and preparation to remain separate from the main entertaining areas. The arrangement reflects Levy’s focus on making luxury practical, especially when the house is being used for entertaining.

A Stylish Office and Wet Bar

The office offers one of the property’s more unexpected moments, having been designed with space for an exotic car alongside the working area. A wet bar introduces another sculptural focal point through its dramatic stone backsplash, which Levy compares to “a piece of art.” The stone had to be installed in sections, making precision essential. “Stone is a very unforgiving thing to use” he explains, highlighting the craftsmanship required to achieve the finished result. Brass shelving, a hammered sink and a Sub-Zero beverage center complete the compact but highly detailed space.

Outdoor Living Surrounded by Oaks

The backyard extends the architectural language of the house through matching brick, limestone and copper detailing. Tall Ficus hedges provide privacy around the property, and a black-bottom pool with limestone coping forms the centerpiece of the garden.

A Finished Guest Suite

A separate one-bedroom ADU provides a private space for extended family or guests, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom. Instead of treating the accommodation as secondary, Levy gives it the same level of material and design attention as the main house, with limestone flooring, marble, a floating vanity, brass details and rounded edges. “Even though it’s an ADU, it’s a finished space” he says, adding that the team took pride in making the space “match the inside of the main home.”

A Basement Built for Leisure

The lower level is dedicated to entertainment and relaxation, with a wet bar, secondary living area, theatre, gym and guest bedroom.

A Primary Suite with Two Private Wings

Upstairs, the primary suite is arranged across two wings, each with its own bathroom and dressing area. The open wardrobe was deliberately designed to resemble a luxury retail display, with Levy explaining that he wanted it to feel “more of a showpiece” where clothes, bags and shoes could be displayed. The bathrooms continue the home’s signature use of marble, bullnose edges and brass, including a dramatic full-slab shower, floating vanities and a steam room.

Bedrooms Connected by a Wraparound Balcony

Three additional bedrooms occupy the remaining upper floor areas, each with an ensuite bathroom and access to the wraparound balcony. The arrangement gives the bedrooms connection while retaining privacy, with Levy noting that the layout allows children to move between rooms. Custom steel French doors and refined material selection highlight the architectural character of the main suite, while the guest bathrooms repeat the limestone, marble and plaster finishes used throughout the property.

Bringing a Shared Vision to Life

The finished residence is also the product of close collaboration between Levy and his design team, including Austin-based designer Christina Cole, whom he describes as “a dream to work with from beginning to end.” Her involvement helped shape a home where European references, contemporary construction and highly detailed interiors sit comfortably together. The result is an architectural showpiece that remains focused on how the spaces are lived in, from the family room and kitchen to the theatre, outdoor entertaining areas and private bedroom suites.