Dreamy Japanese Minka House Sells to Jewelry Designer in Brutal Bidding War

Barely 30 days after it first popped up for sale, amid widespread publicity, a highly idiosyncratic Beverly Hills Flats compound has sold in an all-cash deal — and for a whopping $2.2 million over the original listing price. Multiple offers poured in for the stunning home, which boasts unique interiors and a floating tea room in its Zen-like backyard. But records show the ultimate bidding-war winner was Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Anita Ko, who doled out an impressive $15.2 million for the one-of-a-kind property.

The L.A. native and award-winning face behind her own eponymously named fine jewelry brand — best known for bespoke creations adorning famous clients, such as Hailey Bieber, Michelle Obama, Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson — will enjoy what is known as a Japanese Minka house, or “house of the people,” meaning the distinctive dwelling was modeled after a traditional Japanese building style.

Originally built way back in 1960, the two-story wood structure was crafted by noted midcentury architect Jack A. Charney, a Richard Neutra disciple best known for designing West Hollywood’s celeb-studded Sierra Towers skyscraper in the 1960s. Meticulously maintained and updated, the house features six bedrooms and seven baths in nearly 7,500 square feet of living space punctuated throughout by rich hardwood floors, exposed wood-beam ceilings and vintage fixtures, plus modern amenities like an alarm system.

Floor-to ceiling walls of glass in almost every room also offer picturesque views of the flat and rectangular parcel of land, which spans over a half-acre and hosts a large freeform pool and meandering stone walkways, an al fresco dining area bordered by a pond and a detached “chashitsu” (Japanese tea room) with Shoji screen walls. There’s also a lush entry courtyard laced with mature trees and a koi pond, as well as a spacious motorcourt and four-car garage.

Other highlights include a striking orange-hued double front door that opens into a wide entrance corridor overlooking a central atrium, along with a formal living room sporting a suspended-mantle fireplace. A formal dining room with access to a wine cellar and tasting room down below adjoins a wood-clad kitchen outfitted with a center island, high-end stainless appliances and a breakfast nook, while a family room sports Capiz globe pendants, a wet bar and two-way fireplace that connects to a cozy library.

Six ensuite bedrooms can be found in the home’s north wing — most notably, a sizable master retreat displaying gold-foiled wallpaper, sliding glass doors spilling out to a serene garden, a walk-in closet/dressing room and tiled bath spotlighted by a sunken tub. Rounding it all out: a narrow curving staircase clad in golden-hued carpet, which heads upstairs to an oversized wet bar-equipped den.

The house is additionally located on what is frequently considered to be the most desirable block of one of the more desirable streets in the Flats — right next door to an even larger estate owned by Fan Kao, the wife of Garmin billionaire Min Kao.