Kamins Gardens

Created over the last four decades, Kamins Gardens is an exclusive garden estate property encompassing a main residence, guest cottage, several folly buildings and an expansive arrangement of gardens joining it all together. Located on a small, quiet street in Beverly Hills, CA, The property takes on a unique character that sets the stage for a distinctive vision of building and garden to emerge.

The story of the Kamins property began in 1975 with the purchase of the Helms House which is a two-story Spanish Colonial Revival home designed by noted architect Gordon B. Kaufmann in 1928. Since then there have been improvements of the property to include interior remodels, driveway and motor court as well as the extensive rear gardens.

From there a vision for a whimsical Guest Cottage took shape. Clad in hand-pitched stones by master masons and set into a landscape of streams and plantings, this home envelops the creative vision of a classically-inspired interior which is detailed with old world craftsmanship. Touring the exterior of the building reveals Bluestone monolith detailing, mahogany doors and windows, extensive copper detailing and a terrazzo patterned patio. The Guest Cottage is complimented by two additional freestanding folly structures - an English Conservatory and an Asian Pavilion. Within the Conservatory a collection of orchids and beautiful plants is found along with a family of Rosella birds as well as an African Grey parrot (Caleb) and a Blue Fronted Amazon parrot (Tupac). This greenhouse structure was designed and fabricated in England and features state of the art humidity and temperature controls to provide the optimum environment for its residents. The Asian Pavilion is an entirely hand-carved and crafted mahogany wood and glass structure with glazed tile roof and houses a contemplative seating area and an intriguing collection of asian artifacts.

At the far north end of the property sits the Observatory with its Pond which was envisioned as a distant focal point from which one could observe and look back over the property. This folly structure is made from Carrara Marble columns and entablature capped by a domed copper roof. Looking out over the artisan tile-bottomed Pond an undulating lawn, meandering streams, and a series of garden paths flanked by trees and art work can be seen. Tucked away below the Observatory is “The Bunker” which contains a Billiards Room and a Bar, with outdoor seating areas and a fire pit adjacent.

Merging and integrating all of this is the inspired arrangement of the Gardens which flow throughout the entire property. Each building was located with respect for its place in context of the garden and an exploratory path is created connecting the various destinations that allows for one to experience the property in a variety of ways. As one wanders the property they will experience the running water of streams heading downslope, waterfalls, ponds forming, fountains burbling, birds chirping and nature’s systems at work. One will see impressive Koi fish, ancient Vietnamese gongs, and solid Mahogany bridges. Copper Beech, Gingko, Magnolia, Japanese Maple and Jack Monte Birch are just a few of the species of the more than two-hundred trees that can be seen on the property and set against the backdrop of large native Oak Trees and tall Canary Island Pines in the distance, not to mention the immense variety of plants, flowers and colors. One can enter a Moon Gate adorn with Chinese writings and follow a circular hedge Labyrinth to the spherical center fountain. One will encounter marble sculptures and unique works of arts along the way and have a chance to take a seat in a number of special seating areas set for perfect views of the property.

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