Home of the Week: Van Griffith estate in Los Feliz

The historic Van Griffith estate in Los Feliz is suited to the homeowner who values privacy but wants to be close to city life.

Built in 1925 by the son of Griffith Park benefactor Griffith J. Griffith, the Mediterranean-style home is set back from Vermont Avenue by a double gate and a long elevated driveway that create a peaceful, enclosed space for residents.

The property includes a main house and guesthouse, which are separated by a driveway. The main house is reached by a short walk up outdoor stairs. The owners invested $1 million to renovate the guesthouse and landscaping, including bringing in a 100-year-old olive tree to complete the grounds.

The main house is sited to take advantage of views of Los Angeles: the living room and master bedroom open to balconies facing downtown while the kitchen offers a peek at Griffith Observatory. High-beamed ceilings, huge windows and sliding-glass doors flood the home with natural light for an airy, warm vibe.

In keeping with the Prohibition era during which the house was built, the home has a speak-easy. There is a panic room that can be used as a wine cellar.

In addition to generous space for outdoor seating on the landscaped grounds, a rooftop deck provides a second spot for entertaining, with room for tables and couches.

The house is just outside Griffith Park, and a short walk to Roosevelt Municipal Golf Course and the Greek Theatre.

To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution, un-retouched color photos on a CD, written permission from the photographer to publish the images and a description of the house to Lauren Beale, Business, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Send questions to homeoftheweek@latimes.com.