Bestia Owners Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe Give Us a Peek Inside Their Classic LA Property
Silver Lake has become one of Los Angelesā most sought after neighborhoods, offering residents a vibrant community with shopping, cafes and top-notch restaurants. The original homes built in the early to mid 1900s have become hot buys for developers looking to make their markāand their dollarāin the ever-growing neighborhood. Bestia Owners Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe werenāt sure they would be able to make their dream of homeownership come true in the pricey Los Angeles housing market, but the restaurateurs worked hard and made their dream of homeownership come true. They found the perfect piece of Los Angeles to call home on Rotary Drive.
It has been their home for less than two years. It was a move made more essential by their growing family, and their young daughter now has her own space in the 3-bedroom, 2-bath property. They are so grateful for their home, and worked hard to get where they are todayāand the pride shows in the beautiful space. Things stay cozy with just under 1, 300 square feet of living space and single car garage, but the huge lot size and amazing view of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline had them sold. Their realtor originally told them the small home might leave them unimpressed, but it was in their target budget and stole their hearts. The view is truly stunning; the Los Angeles skyline can be seen from most rooms of the home, even from the master bedroom.
The home was built in 1936 and is pretty much in its original form.
The duo went against the new trend of re-developing and want to embrace the history in the propertyāthey kept the original hardwood flooring and midcentury touches that make the home special. The home is bright, white and airy, and Gergisā experience in interior design shines in the beautiful furnishings she uses to create the warm feel of the home.
European apartments inspire the design; Gergis loves historic buildings full of modern furnishings. This style celebrates the history of the structure while juxtaposing it against modern life. She even showed us the original tile work in the laundry room that outlines sinks and washbasins from before the appliances took over manual scrubbing! Ā
The front door to the property is directly on Rotary, and from the street the home appears clean and proper āā itās a well-maintained bungalow perched upon a hill. Going through the front door, the space opens up to light, white walls and that amazing view. The small space feels open and vibrant, like a deep breath of fresh air after a long day. The bright clean walls contrast and highlight the brightly colored furniture to create intimate spaces within the roomāa wooden chair in one corner has cushions and a striking pillow with an orange owl stitched onto its surface with orange tassels coming from each corner.
The duo owns and operates Bestia restaurant in Los Angeles, and have the same mentality when designing the space there that they did their own home. They found joy in creating a new experience in an original space.
Donāt take away from the history; just add another chapter to the story.
The home kitchen is mostly the 1936 original, aside from modern appliances and updated hardware. Itās not a huge space. However, itās a big upgrade from the kitchen in their one-bedroom Los Angeles apartment. Thatās where they lived before buying this property. Gergis recalls not being able to open the refrigerator and stove at the same time in their old tiny kitchen. She loves the new propertyās homey feel and space upgrade.
The owners mix beautiful new pieces from local shops with a lot of creative vintage finds. They have done an amazing job of mixing and matching to create a unique and special look. They explain that their one-off vintage treasures are so well-built, they become lifetime or heirloom pieces. Each item is exciting and unique, with a story behind it. Gergis points out a large, round-edged coffee table in front of her vibrant sofa. It was carved from a single piece of ash wood in the late 1960s. She loves sharing the tableās history with guests. Plus, the raised edges protect her floors when her daughter accidentally spills juice on it!
When decorating clients’ homes, she always aimed for continuity in every room. But in her own space, she welcomes what she calls a little clutter. The goal is to give her home a soul, not just a look. Bookshelves are packed, tables are layered with accessories, and cozy corners are made for comfort, not for show.
The finishes need to be aesthetically pleasing and practical, following a midcentury mindset in both form and function. Itās OK for the home to have things out of place; this space is about creating comfort.
Nothing screams Los Angeles more than the view from the top of Rotary Drive. Sunshine pours in and frames the downtown skyline. This property truly feels like a homeāan oasis from the hustle and bustle of freeways and boulevards. Itās the perfect place for this family to lay down roots and grow together. Bestia Owners.
Stepping Up:Ā The owners love exploring the staircases in Silver Lake, which are hidden up and down the hills. There is a staircase that goes all the way down the hill very near their home to stores, restaurants and coffee shops. They take the stairs down and walk to get lunch or stroll around by the reservoir with their daughter.
Bestia
2121 E 7th Pl
Los Angeles, CA 90021
213.514.5724
Photographed By: Taylor Lewis Bestia Owners Gergis and Menashe.
Jeff Cooper works full time as a REALTOR based in Orange County, and loves exploring and enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. He has his MS in Health and Strategic Communication and enjoys writing about food, travel and real estate. Jeff always takes time to make the most of where he lives, when he isnāt with clients, you can find him cruising up and down Pacific Coast Highway or enjoying the beach with friends. Heād love to get in touch with you to talk real estate or to chat about anything Southern California has to offer!
