Located north of Riverside Drive, west of Fulton Ave., east of Coldwater Canyon Blvd., and south of Magnolia Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, Hidden Woods is one of the most prized and coveted neighborhoods in the area thanks to the pride of ownership and the charming and liveable home designs of William Mellenthin. Hidden Woods is one of the largest groupings of Mellenthin (Mellen-tine) “birdhouses” in the San Fernando Valley. If you haven’t heard of Mellenthin’s birdhouses before, you will certainly recognize their appearance. Built-in the 1950s, the “birdhouses” have an unmistakable charm thanks to their diamond-paned windows, charming front porches, and the small birdhouses adorning every garage.
Although within easy access of major freeways and throughways, including Coldwater Canyon, Riverside Drive, and “the Boulevard,” the streets in Hidden Woods live up to their name. Many cul-de-sacs and quiet lanes offer peaceful and tranquil living in the heart of the Valley. Hallmarks of Mellenthin’s “birdhouses” also include charming pitched roofs, picture windows that allow light into living and dining rooms, and liberal use of interior and exterior authentic used brick. Some homes still have original oak hardwood flooring and decorative glass blocks in the kitchen.
Mr. Mellenthin himself owned one of the homes on Addison in Hidden Woods. Hidden Woods is a very neighborhood and family-oriented enclave, with block parties, 4th of July celebrations, and neighborhood watch organizations. With the majority of homes built between 1950 and 1954, Hidden Woods also has many mature trees allowing it to live up to its name. The majority of homes have elegantly landscaped yards which include pools, decks, and ample use of natural stone, mature trees, and Mellenthin’s built-in awnings and breezeways.
Not all homes in Hidden Woods are Mellenthin homes. You may find larger, older ranch homes built on double lots, or new, two-story four- and five-bedroom executive and contemporary architectural homes. Whether you are looking for the gracious lifestyle of one of the classic mid-Century “birdhouses” or for a larger, newer executive home or potentially, a larger lot, Hidden Woods is a Sherman Oaks neighborhood with much to recommend it.
Parks
- Woodley Park
- Sepulveda Wildlife Reserve
- Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park
- Anthony C. Bellenson/Lake Balboa Park
- Balboa Sports Center and Golf Course
- Studio City Park
Schools
- Riverside Drive Charter Elementary School
- Robert A. Millikan Middle School
- Ulysses S. Grant High School