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    Thandiwe Newton’s Former Rustic-Chic SoCal Retreat Hits the Market for $4.2 Million

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    Almost two years after Thandiwe Newton sold her home in the rural Los Angeles County community of Topanga Canyon for $2.75 million following a swift four-month stay, the Westworld star’s former residence has once again surfaced for sale. The rustic yet chic abode in the foothills above Malibu is now going for a smidge under $4.2 million, with the listing held by John Galich of Sotheby’s International Realty.

    Records show the veteran film and TV actress acquired the property in September 2022 for $2.6 million from fashion designer-turned-astrologist Lily Ashwell and then promptly turned around and transferred the place in January 2023. Before that, the celeb-pedigreed digs were occupied by married actors Julianne Nicholson and Jonathan Cake.

    The mountain-view living room features a massive fireplace built by master stonemason Jack Rice.

    Christopher Lee Foto

    RELATED: This Striking Ed Niles-Designed SoCal Home Just Hit the Market for the First Time in Decades

    Originally built in the 1970s but extensively renovated by the current owner, the timber-clad structure is tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac in the “climate-perfect” Fernwood neighborhood, amid two parcels of land spanning over a third of an acre. Inside, four bedrooms and five baths are filtered across roughly 3,000 square feet of multi-level living space that’s been revamped by a former set designer and architectural preservation specialist, per marketing materials.

    Upon entering the front door via a shrubbery-lined walkway, an entry foyer displaying a curving staircase flows to a double-height living room sporting a 20-foot rock fireplace crafted by the late stonemason Jack Rice. Walls of glass frame picturesque views of the Santa Monica Mountains. An adjacent dining area connects to the kitchen, which is outfitted with ceramic countertops, open shelving, a breakfast bar, and a vintage range. An expansive wraparound deck is also accessible from both the living room and kitchen.

    The lower-level primary suite has glass doors spilling out onto a brick terrace.

    Christopher Lee Foto

    Elsewhere is a lofted office and a wet bar-equipped lounge area with a built-in banquette, as well as an ensuite primary bedroom that comes with the original brick fireplace, plus a walk-in closet and a private terrace. Outdoors, the grounds are laced with mature oak and eucalyptus trees and host a natural plunge pool, a Finnish sauna, and meandering pathways leading to numerous spots for alfresco lounging and entertaining. There’s also an art studio, plus a guesthouse nestled alongside a seasonal creek.

    The England-born actress, who appeared in the films Crash and The Pursuit of Happyness and snagged an Emmy Award in 2018 for her role as android Maeve Millay in the HBO series Westworld, reportedly went on to buy a historic home in London that she planned to renovate and make her primary residence.

    Click here for more photos of the Topanga Canyon home.

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      Melanie Martinez’s Stylish Los Angeles Retreat Is Up for Grabs

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      Now that she’s upgraded into a sprawling Mediterranean-style property in Topanga Canyon, an unincorporated Los Angeles neighborhood tucked into the remote hills between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley, Melanie Martinez has unsurprisingly put her custom-built equestrian spread in the prestigious guard-gated Bell Canyon community due north of Calabasas up for sale.

      Records show the singer, songwriter and producer—who first gained fame as a contestant on The Voice in 2012 at just 16 years old, and subsequently blossomed into a “pop star plucked from the imagination of Dr. Seuss”—doled out $3.1 million over the summer for her new home, which has three bedrooms and four baths in a little more than 3,300 square feet of living space.

      Martinez recently paid $3.1 million for this gated estate in semi-remote Topanga Canyon.

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      Meanwhile, the other place she paid $2.1 million for in an August 2022 bidding war is already up for sale at $2.85 million.

      Resting behind a gated brick driveway, amid a heavily wooded parcel spanning almost an acre, the creamy stucco and wood-trimmed structure was custom built in 1979. Stylishly updated during Martinez’s short tenure, the two-story house features four bedrooms and a matching number of baths in 3,420 square feet of open-concept living space adorned throughout with hardwood floors, high ceilings, arched doorways and detailed woodwork.

      Set behind gates and a private brick driveway, the custom-built home draws heavy inspiration from French Normandy architecture.

      Lacey Wood Photography

      Especially standing out is a portico entryway that opens into an eye-catching foyer displaying a vaulted ceiling and staircase. From there, steps descend to a living room sporting a stone fireplace, wall of windows and wet bar, while a family room boasting a two-way white brick fireplace connects to a “completely reimagined” kitchen outfitted with an eat-in island and top-tier stainless appliances. Elsewhere are an office space and a dining room topped by a wrought-iron chandelier.

      Upstairs, the spacious primary bedroom is showcased by a sitting area, walk-in closet, and spa-like bath equipped with dual vanities, a soaking tub and separate shower; and outdoors, the secluded backyard hosts a sundeck-encased pool and spa flanked by a barbecue and kitchen setup with a fireplace, along with a covered terrace ideal for al fresco entertaining. There’s also a barn with three horse stalls, as well as a motorcourt and an attached three-car garage out front.

      The formal living room is highlighted by an exposed-beam ceiling, a bay window and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace incorporating built-in shelving.

      Lacey Wood Photography

      Listed by Steve Clark of Backbeat Homes, the Bell Canyon property also comes with a $280-per-month HOA fee that provides the new owner with access to the community’s clubhouse and fitness center, tennis courts, and hiking, biking and horse trails.

      Now 28, the New York native is signed to Atlantic Records, through which she released her debut single and EP Dollhouse. The eccentric, visually oriented musician followed that up with the studio albums Cry Baby and K-12 (with an accompanying film), and the EP After School. Most recently, Martinez released Portals, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

      Click here for more photos of Melanie Martinez’s Bell Canyon house.

      Lacey Wood Photography More