The San Fernando Valley luxury real estate market is once again capturing attention as high-profile properties transition through the hands of prominent figures in the fashion and entertainment industries. Zerina Akers, an Emmy Award-winning costume designer and the personal stylist to global icon Beyoncé, has officially listed her sophisticated modern farmhouse in Tarzana, California, with an asking price of $4.5 million. The move comes roughly two years after Akers acquired the turnkey property from supermodel and entrepreneur Winnie Harlow for just over $3.6 million.
The residence, situated south of Ventura Boulevard on a private third-acre lot, represents a striking synthesis of contemporary design and functional luxury. Handled by Ciara Short of The Beverly Hills Estates, the listing introduces a lucrative opportunity for prospective buyers seeking a blend of celebrity pedigree, high-end finishes, and quintessential Southern California indoor-outdoor living. The property’s journey from a newly constructed suburban retreat to a coveted celebrity-owned asset underscores the shifting dynamics of upscale real estate in Los Angeles’s San Fernando Valley.
A Timeline of Celebrity Ownership and Real Estate Evolution
The narrative of this contemporary Tarzana estate spans several years, marked by high-profile transactions and strategic real estate investments by leading women in fashion and entertainment.
In May 2024, Winnie Harlow—recognized worldwide for her breakout appearance on America’s Next Top Model and her successful entrepreneurial ventures, including skincare brand Cay Skin—made headlines when she sold the modern farmhouse. At the time, Harlow took to social media to inform her global following that she was embarking on a "long-distance move" to open a new chapter in her life, successfully keeping the specifics of her subsequent housing investments private. Harlow had originally purchased the newly constructed home for roughly $3.3 million, later listing it at a competitive $3.7 million before securing a buyer in Akers.
Zerina Akers stepped in as the purchaser, acquiring the residence for slightly more than $3.6 million. Akers, celebrated widely for her visionary costume design on Beyoncé’s acclaimed 2020 visual album Black Is King—a feat that earned her a prestigious Emmy Award—infused the property with her distinct aesthetic sensibility. Following her acquisition, Akers utilized the estate not only as a personal residence but also strategically as an ultra-luxury rental property. During periods when the home commanded attention on the leasing market, monthly rents soared as high as $30,000, attracting high-net-worth tenants seeking short-term, fully amenitized luxury accommodations in Los Angeles.
After a little more than two years of ownership and rental management, Akers has opted to capitalize on the appreciation of the San Fernando Valley market by listing the property at $4.5 million. This anticipated increase reflects both the general upward trajectory of high-end real estate values in Los Angeles suburbs and the specific value-add improvements associated with elite design curation.
Architectural Design and Interior Amenities
Constructed in 2020, the two-story residence spans approximately 4,800 square feet of meticulously planned living space. Fronted by white wood siding and sharp black trim, the exterior establishes a modern farmhouse vernacular that is both timeless and trendy. Set securely behind private gates on a lot measuring roughly a third of an acre, the home balances seclusion with accessibility.
A long, manicured walkway cuts past a welcoming front lawn and an attached two-car garage, leading visitors to a covered portico entryway. Upon entry, a dramatic black front door opens directly into an expansive, coffer-ceilinged living and dining area. This central space is anchored by a sleek, linear fireplace that provides both warmth and a strong visual focal point, complemented by sophisticated architectural details such as rich oak flooring, custom crown molding, and advanced smart-home technologies integrated throughout the premises.
Flowing seamlessly from the formal living areas is a fireside family room, which features a custom-built wet bar and an integrated wine closet designed for effortless entertaining. This space connects directly to an eat-in chef’s kitchen. Outfitted with premium stone countertops, top-tier Thermador appliances, and a dedicated breakfast nook complete with built-in bench seating, the kitchen functions as both a culinary workspace and a cozy family gathering zone.
Upstairs, accessed via a striking staircase featuring wrought-iron railings, the residence offers a series of well-appointed private quarters. The crown jewel of the upper level is the posh primary suite. This expansive retreat boasts its own private fireplace, a private balcony overlooking the grounds, and dual boutique-style walk-in closets. Notably, one of these closets has been custom-outfitted as a dedicated glam room, reflecting the fashion-forward lifestyle of its recent owners. The primary bathroom is clad in imported stone and features a luxurious steam shower alongside a deep soaking tub. The remaining bedrooms each feature their own en-suite bathrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for family members and guests alike.
Outdoor Living and Landscape Architecture
The exterior spaces of the Tarzana estate are engineered to maximize Southern California’s favorable climate. The hedged and fully fenced backyard functions as a private oasis designed for relaxation and large-scale entertaining.
At the center of the rear yard is a custom swimming pool featuring a Baja shelf and an adjoining spillover spa. The pool area is surrounded by multiple stone-paved patios suitable for sunbathing and alfresco dining. Additional outdoor amenities include a fully equipped barbecue area and a custom fire pit, creating an inviting environment for evening gatherings under the San Fernando Valley sky.
Market Implications and Regional Context
The listing of the Otis Avenue property arrives at a time of notable fluidity within the Los Angeles luxury housing market. While traditional high-end epicenters like Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, and Holmby Hills frequently dominate real estate headlines, communities within the San Fernando Valley—including Tarzana, Encino, and Studio City—have experienced a sustained surge in demand. Discerning buyers increasingly look to these neighborhoods for expansive square footage, greater lot sizes, and a suburban sense of privacy without sacrificing proximity to the urban core of Los Angeles.
Properties tailored by figures from the creative and entertainment industries often command heightened interest due to their interior customizations. Features such as specialized glam rooms, professional-grade security, integrated smart technology, and resort-style backyards appeal directly to affluent buyers seeking turnkey living solutions. The pricing strategy set by The Beverly Hills Estates for Akers’ property reflects confidence in the continued resilience of the Valley’s luxury tier, despite broader macroeconomic fluctuations influencing mortgage rates and luxury inventory levels across Southern California.
As the listing moves forward under the guidance of Ciara Short, industry observers will monitor whether the $4.5 million asking price is successfully met, setting a new benchmark for comparable modern farmhouse constructions in the immediate neighborhood. For now, the property stands as a testament to the intersection of high fashion, interior design, and elite real estate investment in modern Los Angeles.
