A Hidden Sanctuary: The 'Temple in the Trees' Comes to Market in Los Angeles
Tucked discreetly behind a canopy of towering oak trees on one of Laurel Canyon's most enchanting leafy streets, a truly extraordinary property has just hit the Los Angeles real estate market. Known simply as the "Temple in the Trees," this remarkable compound is now listed at $2.88 million — and it is already capturing the imagination of buyers, architects, and history lovers alike. With over 11,000 square feet of living space spread across two separate dwellings, this is not your typical Los Angeles listing. It is, by every measure, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a piece of architectural and cultural history.
What Is the Temple in the Trees?
The Temple in the Trees is a compound property situated in the storied Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles — a hillside community long celebrated for its bohemian spirit, lush natural surroundings, and deep ties to the arts, music, and countercultural movements of the twentieth century. The compound consists of two separate dwellings that together total more than 11,000 square feet, making it one of the more substantial residential offerings in the area.
What sets this property apart from the moment you arrive is its setting. Enormous oak trees frame the entrance and envelop the structures in a living, breathing canopy. Every room feels as though it exists within the treetops themselves — a seamless blending of interior and exterior space that gives the compound its evocative name. This is architecture that does not impose upon nature but instead converses with it.
The Architectural Vision of Barry Gittelson
The compound was designed by the late architect Barry Gittelson and completed in 1979. Gittelson's work on the Temple in the Trees reflected a deeply considered philosophy — one that prioritized harmony between built form and natural landscape. The result is a home that feels spiritual in the truest sense of the word: grounded, contemplative, and alive with a quiet energy that is difficult to articulate but impossible to ignore.
Since its original completion, the property has undergone a significant in-depth renovation that has elevated its already-unique design to new heights. The renovation introduced a fresh level of intrigue while preserving the architectural integrity and soul that Gittelson originally instilled. The balance between the historic and the contemporary is handled with great care, allowing the home to feel both timeless and livable for a modern buyer.
A Home Born from Spiritual Purpose
The history of this property is inseparable from the history of one of Los Angeles' most beloved cultural institutions. The Temple in the Trees was originally crafted for Stan Madson, co-founder of the legendary Bodhi Tree Bookstore. For decades, the Bodhi Tree was widely regarded as the best-known spiritual and metaphysical bookstore in the United States, specializing in titles focused on world religions, philosophy, mysticism, and personal transformation. It was a gathering place for seekers, thinkers, and visionaries until it closed its doors in 2011.
The story behind the bookstore's founding is itself remarkable. During the 1970s, Madson, his wife, and a circle of like-minded friends made a collective decision to walk away from engineering careers that were supporting military and war systems. They chose instead to build something centered on peace, knowledge, and spiritual inquiry. The Bodhi Tree was that something — and the home Madson commissioned to be built during that same transformative period reflects precisely those values. The Temple in the Trees was never merely a residence. It was an extension of a worldview.
Living in the Canopy: What the Property Offers
Beyond its extraordinary backstory, the Temple in the Trees offers a genuinely compelling living environment for the right buyer. The two-dwelling structure provides both privacy and flexibility — ideal for those who require guest accommodations, a dedicated workspace, a studio, or the ability to host extended family without sacrificing personal space.
Inside, the design philosophy is consistent throughout: every room feels immersed in the surrounding oak canopy. Natural light filters through the trees and into the interior spaces, creating a quality of light that shifts gently throughout the day. The living room, in particular, evokes the sensation of being held within the branches themselves — a rare and deeply calming architectural experience.
- Over 11,000 square feet across two separate dwellings
- Designed by architect Barry Gittelson, completed in 1979
- Extensively renovated to enhance the original design
- Surrounded by mature, towering oak trees on a quiet Laurel Canyon street
- Steeped in cultural and spiritual history through its connection to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore
The Listing and the Agents Behind It
The Temple in the Trees is co-listed by agents Nathaniel Cole and Joey Kiralla of Modern California House. Cole has described the property with understated enthusiasm: "It's a special one." Given everything the compound represents — architecturally, historically, and spiritually — that assessment feels entirely appropriate.
Modern California House specializes in architecturally significant properties across Los Angeles, and the Temple in the Trees fits squarely within that focus. For serious buyers with an appreciation for design, provenance, and the unique cultural fabric of Los Angeles, this listing deserves close attention.
Why Laurel Canyon Remains One of L.A.'s Most Sought-After Neighborhoods
Laurel Canyon has long held a special place in the mythology of Los Angeles. Its winding roads, dense tree cover, and strong sense of community have made it a perennial favorite among artists, musicians, writers, and those who seek a more intimate, village-like experience within one of the world's largest cities. Properties in Laurel Canyon — particularly those with genuine architectural character — rarely stay on the market for long.
The Temple in the Trees represents the very best of what this neighborhood has to offer. It is a home with a soul, a story, and a setting that few properties anywhere in Los Angeles can match. At $2.88 million, it invites a buyer not just to purchase real estate, but to become the next steward of something genuinely extraordinary.