Bonsall Canyon

Vanessa Alexander’s Family Home

Nestled under the shade of mature oaks and maples in Bonsall Canyon, Vanessa Alexander's family home, shared with her husband Steve and their three teenage sons, redefines the Malibu lifestyle. Rather than the typical oceanfront property, this home is deeply connected to the land. Completed just weeks before the pandemic, it became an unintentional retreat, emphasizing privacy and comfort.

Los Angeles meets Belgian Farmhouse

The home, designed in collaboration with Los Angeles-based Kovac Design Studio, takes inspiration from old Belgian farmhouses, with a minimalist form defined by a single-gable roof and wide openings that merge indoor and outdoor spaces. The ebony exterior, treated with the Japanese technique shou sugi ban to preserve and darken the cedar cladding, gives the house a striking yet understated presence. Nestled among trees, the structure blends into its surroundings, with the dappled light adding a soft, almost ethereal quality to its appearance.

Inside, the moody exterior contrasts with the warm and inviting interiors. Cashmere drapes and hand-applied plaster walls bring a tactile sense of luxury, while comfortable, sink-into seating like the Marco Zanuso Regent chairs create a cozy atmosphere. The home's design is rooted in history, with curated pieces like a Peter Samuelson painting in the family room, a gift from Alexander’s antique-collecting mother, and a sculptural bench made from a salvaged log in the stairwell, adding character and depth.

Though the design includes touches of elegance, with subtle accents of aged brass and bespoke furnishings, the home remains practical for family life. Steve, a Hollywood agent, believes this home may finally be their long-term residence. As he puts it, "Our third time at bat, we hit it out of the park.”