Behind a Boulder

Perched amidst the rugged landscape, up in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains of Topanga, Saddle Peak House is hidden from street view by a large boulder. "Originally when Michael (Sant) got the plot, he pushed the land a little bit in order to fit everything properly," Goktug explains. "Everything about the house is designed around the boulder."

Love at First Sight

For Goktug, the journey to owning Saddle Peak House spanned several years. "We first saw Saddle Peak House in publications in 2018, and we finally got to stay here in 2019," he recalls. "We fell in love with the house and contacted Michael Sant expressing our love for the details and how perfect everything was." After years of persistence and patience, Goktug's dream of owning Saddle Peak House finally became a reality. "I still pinch myself that it's just like, 'Hey, I'm actually here,'" he says.

Careful Design Selections

What sets Saddle Peak House apart is its meticulous design and attention to detail. The house boasts a total square footage of around 2500 square ft, including a studio in the entrance and three bedrooms in the main house. "Michael did an incredible job of reducing the materials, which I really love," Goktug adds.

Crafted from concrete, Garapa wood, glass, and steel, Saddle Peak House strikes the perfect balance between grounded architecture and airy minimalism. "With all the board-form concrete, it's very grounded into the Earth but at the same time, it has this airy floating feel to it," Goktug explains.

Taking It All In

The house also embraces the natural elements, with expansive windows framing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and ocean. "When you're in the house, you're constantly exposed to the day and nature," Goktug remarks. "It faces West, so it gets great light all day long."

Cross ventilation and strategic positioning of doors allow for a constant circulation of air, providing a sense of calm and tranquillity even on the hottest days. "Most days, even when it's really hot, if you do it properly, you really feel like you're just feeling the ocean breeze," Goktug notes. Outside, the pool and deck offer the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Just A New Custodian

‍Michael Sant's vision for the house was always about sharing its architecture. "I'm a new custodian for the house, and I continue to share this place and this architecture," Goktug says.