Listed for $3,995,000, the one-story residence is owned by actress Maria Bello and her former partner, acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn, the celebrated force behind Atelier Crenn, the three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco.
The listing is held by Juliette Hohnen of Douglas Elliman, who describes the home as bright, “Californian” and designed with both comfort and entertainment in mind.
And honestly, the property seems like exactly the kind of place that makes sense for this duo: a stylish, meticulously updated canyon retreat, with a kitchen worthy of a chef, retractable doors that open to panoramic views, and a cozy backyard full of relaxing amenities, with a heated pool, spa, bocce court and all.
A Laurel Canyon entry with a rare backstory between Hollywood and the food world
Celebrity homes are nothing new in Laurel Canyon, but this one stands out for its unusual combination.
On one side: Maria Bello, a veteran actress with major film credits and a buzzy new TV role. On the other hand, her former partner: Dominique Crenn, a globally renowned chef with a restaurant resume that puts her in the ultra-elite category of American fine dining.
So when the entry describing the house as having “a beautiful European flavor” combined with classic Californian style, it doesn’t feel like random marketing speak – it feels like a reflection of the owners’ combined aesthetic.
Reimagined by Bello Building and Contracting
The home has been completely redesigned, with the listing stating that the transformation was carried out by Chris Bello of Bello Building and Contracting.
That’s important because buyers in this price range – especially in Laurel Canyon – want to ‘finish’. They want turnkey. They want something that doesn’t feel like a project disguised behind fancy staging photos. This one is positioned as the opposite: a carefully updated home that has already been done right.
A 1969 built one story retreat with modern LA convenience
Built in 1969, the residence retains the appeal of the classic California single-story layout, but with modern updates that push it into “current dream home” territory.
One-story homes always read a little more relaxed (and honestly, a little more expensive feeling) in LA. No stairs, no awkward split levels, just a clean flow from room to room and easy movement between inside and outside.
A coveted slice of Laurel Canyon with the appeal of Wonderland School District
The listing highlights a location in the coveted Wonderland School District, which is one of those details that can immediately increase a listing’s appeal — and explain its price tag — without the need for further justification.
It also highlights the home’s easy access to the Mulholland Tennis Club, plus quick access to major LA hubs like the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Studio City and all the food/entertainment that comes with those neighborhoods.
The basics: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,555 square feet
The property offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,555 square feet, a size that feels substantial without feeling like a mansion.
It’s the kind of layout that works for different buyers: a couple who wants space, someone who works from home and needs flexible rooms, or the kind of “LA family home” setup where the outdoors does half the heavy lifting.
A bright open floor plan built for true indoor-outdoor living
This home clearly sells the lifestyle. And the lifestyle here is: open everything up and let the gap do its thing.
The interior is described as sun-drenched with an open plan layout connecting the living room, dining area, study and kitchen. It is designed so that the house lives as one large shared space, perfect for entertaining or making everyday life easy and breathable.
Accordion doors that can be fully retracted to frame the canyon and mountain views
This is the big moment.
The home features accordion doors in French windows that can be fully retracted, opening up the main living areas to panoramic gorge and mountain views. It’s the kind of feature that turns an ordinary living room into something that feels cinematic, especially at the golden hour, when Laurel Canyon starts doing its whole glowing hills thing.
And unlike a standard sliding door, accordion doors create a truly open wall effect. When they are open, the boundary between inside and outside essentially disappears.
A gourmet kitchen with a world-class chef
Not every ad casually drops “chef designed” and means it means something. This one actually can.
The kitchen is described as a gourmet setup created by a world-renowned French chef (in this case, Dominique Crenn). It’s not just about high-end appliances or looking good; it’s about the function.
Because when a true chef designs a kitchen, it’s usually evident in the layout: prep space, flow, storage and thoughtful touches that make cooking feel less like a chore and more like a ritual.
Juliette Hohnen’s quote says it best: The chef’s kitchen is not only designed for functionality, but also “chic.”
Hardwood floors and a sleek, cohesive design
Hardwood floors run throughout the home and the overall design appears polished but not fussy.
This is not a house where every room screams for attention. It’s a quiet, cohesive environment: updated and finished, but still warm and livable. It’s the kind of house where you can imagine people actually living, not just posing.
One primary suite, two guest rooms
The primary suite is positioned as its own little retreat within the home, and the description leans squarely on comfort.
Expect a spa-inspired setup, with a bathroom featuring a bathtub, double sinks, a rain shower and a large walk-in closet. It’s the ‘end-of-day exhalation’ area of the house – private, quiet and clearly treated as an important space, not an afterthought.
The house has two additional guest rooms, making the layout versatile: extra rooms for guests, children, offices, creative space or whatever the future buyer wants to make of it.
A separate library and studio hidden at the back of the building
This is one of the coolest features of the home: a separate library/studio at the back of the home.
It’s described as having high ceilings and extra views – and it opens directly onto the boules court, which is such a specific, delightful combination. A bit intellectual. A bit playful. Very Laurel Canyon.
And because it is separate, it is ideal as a true creative studio, writing space, office or even a quiet meeting place set apart from the main house.
The backyard has a covered outdoor dining area with fire pit and barbecue
At the back, the house is full of ‘LA dream’.
There is a heated pool and spa, surrounded by stone patios and landscaped gardens, creating a completely resort-like environment that feels built for both lounging and entertaining. It’s the kind of outdoor setup where an afternoon can easily turn into an evening and no one feels the urgency to go back inside.
This house has its own jeu de boules court, adding a playful and social element to the outdoor space. It also fits in perfectly with the overall ‘turnkey lifestyle’ packaging of the house: it’s not just a garden, it’s an experience.
Maria Bello’s Career: From ‘Coyote Ugly’ to Netflix’s ‘The Waterfront’
If Maria Bello looks very familiar, it’s because she should. The Pennsylvania-born actress and producer has had a long, recognizable career in both film and television.
She is perhaps best known to many viewers for films like Coyote ugly And Adults, and she is also currently drawing attention for her role in The waterfrontafter another memorable performance in the Netflix limited series Beef.
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