A hilltop compound in Los Angeles has been thoughtfully reimagined as a live-work retreat by designer and developer Kathryn McCullough and her husband, musician and creative entrepreneur Andrew Bulbrook.

The couple purchased the Mount Washington property in 2021 for $1.3 million, drawn less to what was there than to what it could become. At the time, the site held two disconnected structures—a 1940s farmhouse and a midcentury home from the 1960s. Rather than clear the lot, they approached it as an opportunity for evolution, allowing the project to unfold gradually in collaboration with architect Linda Taalman and the landscape studio Terremoto.

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What emerged is not a single house but a small compound, composed of three structures with four self-contained spaces that reflect how the couple actually lives and works. A secondary dwelling was carved into the original farmhouse; the midcentury structure was expanded; and a tower-like ADU was added near the rear of the property. Each building serves a distinct function, with a central courtyard acting as the connective tissue.

The unconventional configuration grew out of necessity as much as design. Both McCullough and Bulbrook maintain creative practices that require periods of focus as well as collaboration, and the separation between the various spaces allows those modes to coexist without friction. The result is a campus-like layout that shifts easily between private living quarters, professional areas, and guest accommodations, giving the compound remarkable flexibility.

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McCullough’s background in design and development shows up in the interiors. Concrete from the original site was salvaged and reused, bringing a sense of continuity through the project, while Douglas fir, brick, and stone add warmth. 

Altogether the compound spans about 3,500 square feet with four kitchens and seven bathrooms. Outdoor spaces, including a pool and native plant landscaping, extend the living areas and reinforce a sense of separation between the buildings while keeping everything visually connected. 

The property is now being offered for just under $4 million with sisters and real estate duo Claire and Sam O’Connor of O’Connor Estates. 

Click here to see more photos of the L.A. home.