‘Orange Is the New Black’ Star Selenis Leyva Goes Neutral in Woodland Hills
Now that she’s been released from TV jail, with “Orange Is the New Black” having wrapped in 2019, Selenis Leyva has relaxed and secured herself a residential outpost in Woodland Hills, the suburban community lying deep within L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. The veteran actress (rant-prone Gloria Mendoza on “OITNB,” Monica Warren in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Gabi Cañero-Reed in the Disney+ series “Diary of a Future President”), long based in her native New York, paid nearly $1.4 million for the West Coast outpost.
Perched in the foothills and accessible only via a secluded dead-end street, the 1971 structure spans about 3,300 square feet of living space and is best described as a typical ’70s suburban L.A. tract house that’s been dramatically expanded and renovated into “artistic architectural splendor” with a “special Topanga Canyon vibe,” per the listing, a reference to the hippy-dippy-turned-boho-chic community tucked into the mountains between Malibu and the Valley.
From the street, the gated house is unmemorable, with little more than its two-car garage door and wee front lawn on display. But inside, things are light and bright, with contemporary finished that include an off-white color scheme throughout, medium brown hardwood floors, and a newly redesigned chef’s kitchen with designer stainless appliances.
The property notably lacks a traditional living room; instead, there’s one giant living space that encompasses the kitchen area, which sports not one but three storage pantries, and an adjoining family room with wood-beamed ceilings and big picture windows and frame three of the walls. Panoramic views sweep over the San Fernando skyline.
Tucked into its own private wing, the master suite is fully renovated, with a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace and sliding glass doors that open to a wraparound balcony with unobstructed views; there’s also an oversized bath with dual sinks and walk-in closet.
Spread throughout the multilevel house are four guest bedrooms, one of which appears to be staged as an office. Perhaps the property’s most eclectic feature is its private recording studio, which is thoughtfully soundproofed.
The sloped hillside lot doesn’t have much of a backyard — good for part-time residents who want low maintenance — but the treehouse-like home remains admirably private thanks to an ancient oak that stands beside it, with the tree’s massive branches arched up like the necks of some prehistoric dinosaurs.
There’s also side yards planted with organic vegetable beds, plus avocado and persimmon trees. Other amenities are not limited to a built-in children’s playset and a courtyard-style, vaguely arrowhead-shaped pool with its own raised spa.
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