The Strawberry House

17061 Strawberry Drive
Encino, CA 91436
(626) 296-3534
www.thestrawberryhouse.com

THE STRAWBERRY HOUSE FOREVER

When Bruce Kramer went house-hunting in Los Angeles several years ago, he had something very specific in mind: the home would have to be “picture perfect.”

Kramer, a former fashion photographer who founded Art Mix (the agency) and 5th & Sunset, the still-photography studio and production company, had gotten innumerable requests from fellow photographers searching for that one great spot to shoot in. “There really were only a few in L.A. that were suitable, and they’re usually booked, so we decided get one for ourselves,” says Kramer. “It took some time, but we finally closed on the property in 2001 and haven’t looked back since.”

Called The Strawberry House (it’s located on Strawberry Drive in the Encino Hills area), the 3,600-square-foot, el-shaped home was designed by the renowned architectural firm Benton and Park. It features four large bedrooms, a study, dining room, living room, kitchen, swimming pool and sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley from huge floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.

Going for a midcentury modern look, Kramer furnished Strawberry House with such designer names as Eames, Knoll, Herman Miller, Planter, Saarinen and Nelson. “The architecture is the focal point of the home, so I chose modern minimalist furniture which compliments the design without overpowering it,” says Kramer. “All it needed when we moved in was a little paint and some landscaping. It’s all authentic and original. You open the door and you’re in the Valley, the place just soaks up light.”

Strawberry House regulars include such advertising and editorial photographers as Cliff Watts, Isabel Snyder, Walter Chin and Anthony Mandler and such clients as Vogue, FHM, Details, Penthouse, Bergdorf Goodman and AT&T.

“The view is spectacular, each room is special and the pool is great,” says FHM photo director Jodi Peckman. “We use a lot of natural light in our shoots and it’s perfect, flooded with light. The design and furnishings make it all so easy. We never have to move anything. The house is ready to shoot in.”

Snyder agrees with Peckman’s assessment of the home’s photo-worthiness. “Its simplicity and uncluttered look enable me to focus in on my subject and not the space,” says Snyder.

The Strawberry House rents out for $2,000-$3,000 a day depending on the production. It is offered by location companies Malibu Locations, Sources, and East West Locations in addition to 5th & Sunset Studios.

—Joel Newman