Big Sur House. A Canyon Compound Above the Clouds. Lowest Price Per Sq Ft in Topanga! Perched above Topanga Canyon with sweeping views toward Saddle Peak and Powderhorn Ranch, this remarkable Craftsman compound captures the spirit of Big Sur while offering a rare combination of flexibility, privacy, and income potential. Designed as a collection of distinct living spaces, the compound includes a spacious main residence, a permitted guest house, a loft-style residence, a dedicated wellness room with gym and sauna, and multiple private outdoor decks. With approximately seven bedrooms and six bathrooms across the compound, the property is ideally suited for multigenerational living, creative pursuits, guest accommodations, or rental income opportunities. The main residence is currently configured as two interconnected homes that can function independently or as one expansive five-bedroom residence. Vaulted ceilings, a dramatic stone fireplace, expansive windows, skylights, and multiple view decks create a seamless connection to the surrounding canyon landscape. The upper levels feature a luminous great room, generous pantry, laundry, and spacious bedrooms, including a primary suite with a spa-inspired bath, a bathroom with a steam shower, and a private wraparound deck. Below, a separate living level offers its own entrance, kitchen, fireplace, bedrooms, bath, and private deck. Beyond the main home, the permitted guest house features a fireplace, private entrance, and deck, while a bright loft-style residence above captures canyon views from every angle. The vast majority of the compound's square footage is permitted, providing a rare level of functionality and flexibility for a property of this scale in Topanga. A Tesla solar system supplies green energy, while multiple decks, patios, and garden spaces create inviting spaces for entertaining, relaxation, and connection with nature. Just minutes from Topanga State Park, Malibu's beaches, and the Valley, the property offers convenient access to both wilderness and city amenities while maintaining a true sense of escape. Rarely does a Topanga property combine this level of permitted living space, multiple residences, wellness amenities, and income potential. Whether envisioned as a private family compound, artist's retreat, boutique hospitality opportunity, or investment property, Big Sur House offers an exceptional canyon lifestyle in one of Southern California's most distinctive settings.
This stunning multi-level contemporary home is surrounded by trees in a gorgeous and private canyon and beautiful views of Saddlepeak and Powderhorn Ranch from multiple decks. Close to state park and hiking trails. 3 BD, 3.5 BA. Inside, you'll find a living room with vaulted ceilings, a flexible floor plan with an open kitchen/dining room, 3 fireplaces, and a large family room on its own level with a private entrance. The property also includes a large self-contained guest apt w/ fireplace and separate finished garage. French doors and windows. Skylights. Spa tub w/ separate shower in master bath. One bedroom is converted into dance/workout studio. Pantry in kitchen. Hard cover floors. Currently set up as duplex, but could easily go back to being one large home
Public Records
Sep 6, 1996
Sold
$439,000
$98/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$12,014 (+3.4%)
$724,479 + $241,491
$965,970
2024
$11,621 (+2.2%)
$710,274 + $236,756
$947,030
2023
$11,371 (+5.7%)
$696,348 + $232,114
$928,462
2022
$10,761 (+1.9%)
$682,695 + $227,563
$910,258
2021
$10,556 (−0.8%)
$669,309 + $223,101
$892,410
2020
$10,646 (+4.3%)
$656,186 + $218,727
$874,913
2019
$10,208 (+1.3%)
$649,458 + $216,485
$865,943
2018
$10,080 (+2.1%)
$636,724 + $212,241
$848,965
2017
$9,876 (+2.5%)
$612,000 + $204,000
$816,000
2016
$9,631 (+33.4%)
$612,000 + $204,000
$816,000
2015
$7,220
$600,000 + $200,000
$800,000
2014
$7,227 (−0.5%)
$265,716 + $317,533
$583,249
2012
$7,261 (+3.7%)
$264,516 + $316,098
$580,614
2011
$7,001 (−1.1%)
$259,330 + $309,900
$569,230
2010
$7,081 (+4.2%)
$254,246 + $303,824
$558,070
2009
$6,799 (+4.4%)
$252,346 + $301,554
$553,900
2008
$6,513
$252,946 + $302,271
$555,217
Public record
Public record
Permits
Beds
4
Baths
3
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.4 Acres
Year renovated
1988
Finished Sq. Ft.
3,024
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
3,024
Year built
1988
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Los Angeles County
APN
4445013006
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Oct 8, 2026.
Jan 23, 2019 • Final
Electrical permit (simple) - county
Upgrade the main electrical panel to a new service level.
Electrical
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
7/10 Fire Factor
15% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 92° expected this year, 21 days in 30 years
1/10 Wind Factor
Minimal risk of severe winds over next 30 years
5/10 Air Factor
6 unhealthy days expected this year, 8 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Topanga, CA • 90290
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
66
46
68
48
69
49
68
48
71
52
75
56
81
58
84
61
80
60
76
54
68
48
67
46
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
79/ 100
Good sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in Topanga. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
7.9 hrs
4.2 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 178 Muerdago Rd
$1,819,203
$80K under list price of $1.90M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.2M to $2.6M.
SOLD SEP 30, 2026
16780 Monte Hermoso Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272